Percussion Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.935383 Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber. Arranged by Dan Heslink. Christian,Christmas. Score and parts. 20 pages. Pharaoh Publications #5363007. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935383). Silent Night Prelude for Percussion Octet                      arr. by Dan Heslink This work is based on the well-loved Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber. This theme is so popular that it was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011. And the version sung by Bing Crosby in 1935 is the fourth best-selling single recording of all-time. It’s sure to motivate your audience close to Christmas. The Prelude begins with a brisk tempo. Although notated in 3, as is customary in more modern renditions (the original theme was notated in 6), the tempo must be fast enough that two measures of 3 create a binary pairing (like 6/4 in two). It may be necessary to slightly slow down the roll speed to avoid a frenetic sound.  The difficulty level is easy. There are no changes of key, and the timpani part requires only two drums (Bb, F) with no tuning changes. The vibe part could be played with two mallets, but might execute more comfortably with three. The other keyboard parts use only two mallets each. The expression of this beautiful tune will be greatly enhanced by exaggerating the contrasts of dynamics. Accompaniment and ornamental figures must at all times be sublimated to the familiar theme. At the last strain, players should sing the well-known words in order to lead the audience or congregation in group singing. It would be helpful for the conductor to turn and face the audience at this point. This closing passage may be repeated for any number of sung verses. Use a smooth, relaxed stroke to elicit as much legato as possible. At points a continuous arpeggio accompaniment is divided among the instruments. Care must be taken to keep the sixteenth note speed consistent. The opening runs should be performed half-pedal on the vibes for clarity. Prelude on Silent Night would serve equally well in recital or in a church service. Duration is 3:10. The arranger, Dan Heslink, can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com  

Percussion Ensemble - Digital Download SKU: A0.935382 Arranged by Dan Heslink. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary. Score and parts. 27 pages. Pharaoh Publications #5212785. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935382). Holiday Bolero for percussion ensemble                                                       arr. by Dan Heslink This arrangement is available in two versions, a quintet for xylophone and four marimbas and a percussion ensemble octet for orchestra bells, vibes, 3 marimbas, snare drum, timpani and multiple percussion. These comments refer to the percussion ensemble arrangement. While the term Bolero can be applied to a variety of slow-tempo Latin dances, for most orchestral performers the title will evoke the stirring rhythms of Ravel’s famous Bolero. Similarities include the driving 3/4 bolero rhythm, the building of tension over one long-range crescendo, and the climactic conclusion. The pitch content is based on O Holy Night, the well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. The difficulty level in terms of executing notes and rhythms is medium-easy. At the same time, the dynamic planning and control of the crescendo requires considerable musical judgment, particularly in the snare drum part. All of the keyboard parts require only two mallets per player, with the exception of the vibe part’s necessity of 3 or 4 mallets. There are no key changes, or mallet and hand independence. Pedaling on the vibes for the most part is suggested by the harmonic rhythm and is not notated. Setup of the general percussion part in the manner of a multiple percussion solo, where all playing surfaces are comfortably accessible. Holiday Bolero is sure to be an audience pleaser during a winter concert, especially close to Christmas. It would serve equally well in a percussion recital or a church service. In church this work would be appropriate as special music or as an offertory. Duration is 2:52. The arranger, Dan Heslink, can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.935380 Arranged by Pharaoh Publications. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary,Spiritual. Score and parts. 14 pages. Pharaoh Publications #5212781. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935380). Holiday Bolero for keyboard percussion                          arr. by Dan Heslink This arrangement is available in two versions, a quintet for xylophone and four marimbas, and a percussion ensemble octet for orchestra bells, vibes, 3 marimbas, snare drum, timpani and multiple percussion. These comments refer to the mallet quintet arrangement. While the term Bolero can be applied to a variety of slow-tempo Latin dances, for most orchestral performers the title will evoke the stirring rhythms of Ravel’s famous Bolero. Similarities include the driving 3/4 bolero rhythm, the building of tension over one long-range crescendo, and the climactic conclusion. The pitch content is based on O Holy Night, the well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. The difficulty level in terms of executing notes and rhythms is medium-easy. At the same time, the dynamic planning and control of the crescendo requires considerable musical judgment. All of the keyboard parts require only two mallets; some passages unfold as double stops. Mallets for the marimbas should be chosen to maximize the blend of individual parts into a unified chord. There are no key changes, or mallet and hand independence.  Holiday Bolero is sure to be an audience pleaser during a winter concert, especially close to Christmas. It would serve equally well in a percussion recital or a church service. In church this work would be appropriate as special music or as an offertory. Duration is 2:52. The arranger, Dan Heslink, can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com.