Jingle Bells (Pierpont)
arranged for percussion ensemble
Jingle Bells, arranged by Eric Esquivel, is well suited for a large beginner percussion ensemble. Emphasizing simple rhythms and patterns, this arrangement in B-flat utilizes mallet keyboards, snare and bass drum, timpani, and sleigh bells.
The keyboard parts are split between melodic and harmonic roles, while the timpani part provides low end using static pitches (no tuning changes required). Simple dynamic jumps highlight each new section of the ABA form and provide energy as the piece progresses.
Part doubling (or tripling) is encouraged, making the piece easily adaptable to ensembles of different sizes.
Jingle Bells ships as a fully bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for either printing or tablet viewing.
- Glockenspiel
- Xylophone
- 2 Marimbas — (1) 4-octave, (1) low A
- 4 Timpani*
- Percussion — bass drum, snare drum, sleigh bells
*optional
Reviews
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Stephen Busath –
This adaptation of James Pierpont’s holiday favorite is quite accessible for young percussion groups. Not only is the difficulty meant for a beginning group, it is also written for large percussion sections/classes, which can be very helpful for programming. Eric Esquivel does well to not overdo this arrangement; he lets the simple melodies and harmonies do the work. Using simple rhythms in the mallet parts, it lets young students focus on the notes rather than think about anything tricky. This is a great introduction to harmony, and if this is performed by a beginning percussion class in their first semester, this could be the first time they see parts that are not identical. The cadences at the end of each phrase are also clear and conventional. I like the idea of young percussionists getting that sound in their ear early on.
The B section uses more counterpoint and simple syncopation in the accompaniment to change texture; the accompaniment is sparser, and in the snare drum part, there is more playing on beats 2 and 4. Additional possible introductory aspects include playing on four timpani, dynamic changes, and playing solid time on sleighbells. It is never too early for that!
This is a fine arrangement to perform for that first winter/holiday concert. Its combination of being a recognizable piece along with its educational aspects make it a great choice!
—Stephen Busath
Percussive Notes
Vol. 63, No. 2, April 2025