Reindeer Paws

Composer(s) / Arranger(s): Gary P. Gilroy

Performance Time: 3:02  |  Grade: 1 1/2  |  Style: Holiday, Contemporary

Reindeer Paws was written for the Sierra Vista Elementary School Band Program (Clovis, CA), Eric Cymanski, Director.  Mr. Cymanski was a former student of Gary P. Gilroy during his undergraduate years at Fresno State. Eric was a Charter Member of the very successful group, Bulldog Beat, which was started by Dr. Gilroy in his first year as Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands at Fresno State. 

This short arrangement is provided to the youngest band students who have a limited number of months playing their instruments.  It was inspired by the legendary efforts of such famous reindeer as Dasher, Dancer, Donner, Prancer, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Vixen, and of course, the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph.  Further inspiration also came from the incredible efforts of good old Saint Nick, who circles the globe every year on that very special night to make children’s dreams come true.  

The arrangement combines cute spoken phrases from the young performers along with sleigh bells and a solo woodblock to represent the click, click, click of the reindeer paws landing on the roof of your house.   The other musicians join the woodblock by clicking their little fingers together at the same time.  Up On The House Top is the first melody presented in the arrangement, but this popular tune soon segues into Santa’s favorite song, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.  Children everywhere will love performing this cute arrangement for their loving parents at the first concert of their careers as young musicians.