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A classic holiday tune from A Charlie Brown Christmas, Skating can be quickly recognized by its cascading thirds heard in the opening theme, beckoning images of falling snow and, of course, skaters weaving through a field of ice. This transcription by Justin Lamb is written as a marimba and vibraphone duet with optional percussion parts to provide the jazz waltz feel underneath. Perfect for a holiday closer, this short work is tuneful and lively and features a virtuosic solo for the vibraphonist.
Skating ships as a printed, professionally bound score and a set of printed parts.
Vibraphone
Marimba — 5-octave
Percussion (optional) — egg shakers, hi-Hat, ride cymbal, sleigh bells
This fun and playful 21⁄2-minute work sounds exactly like what you would expect from a transcription of Vince Guaraldi music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Written for four-mallet vibraphone and marimba, this piece delivers all of the sounds that evoke images of ice skating, snow falling, and winter magic.
While the marimba and optional percussion parts contribute greatly to this work, the vibraphone holds the spotlight, as it shoulders the bulk of the melodic and soloistic weight of the piece. The work starts with an effective interlocking collection of rhythms between all the parts, then the vibraphone takes over with cascading thirds down the instrument, followed by upward rolling chords from both mallet instruments. One key feature of this arrangement is that the original piano solo improvisation is reproduced practically note-for-note in the vibraphone part. At the same time, the arrangement provides chord symbols for performers who want to give a shot at their own soloistic voice before the reprise of the opening material.
An arrangement like this, with its broad audience appeal, would be completely appropriate on a winter concert or as an addition at a December coffee-house gig.
—Joshua D. Smith
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 1, February 2024
A classic holiday tune from A Charlie Brown Christmas, Skating can be quickly recognized by its cascading thirds heard in the opening theme, beckoning images of falling snow and, of course, skaters weaving through a field of ice. This transcription by Justin Lamb is written as a marimba and vibraphone duet with optional percussion parts to provide the jazz waltz feel underneath. Perfect for a holiday closer, this short work is tuneful and lively and features a virtuosic solo for the vibraphonist.
Skating ships as a printed, professionally bound score and a set of printed parts.
Vibraphone
Marimba — 5-octave
Percussion (optional) — egg shakers, hi-Hat, ride cymbal, sleigh bells
This fun and playful 21⁄2-minute work sounds exactly like what you would expect from a transcription of Vince Guaraldi music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Written for four-mallet vibraphone and marimba, this piece delivers all of the sounds that evoke images of ice skating, snow falling, and winter magic.
While the marimba and optional percussion parts contribute greatly to this work, the vibraphone holds the spotlight, as it shoulders the bulk of the melodic and soloistic weight of the piece. The work starts with an effective interlocking collection of rhythms between all the parts, then the vibraphone takes over with cascading thirds down the instrument, followed by upward rolling chords from both mallet instruments. One key feature of this arrangement is that the original piano solo improvisation is reproduced practically note-for-note in the vibraphone part. At the same time, the arrangement provides chord symbols for performers who want to give a shot at their own soloistic voice before the reprise of the opening material.
An arrangement like this, with its broad audience appeal, would be completely appropriate on a winter concert or as an addition at a December coffee-house gig.
—Joshua D. Smith
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 1, February 2024
