Description12 Drummers Drumming by Dane Newlove is a vibrant and energetic addition to holiday percussion repertoire. Published by Per-Mus Publications, this mixed percussion ensemble work offers a playful take on seasonal themes, making it an ideal choice for winter concerts. Because the piece is specifically designed for nine players, it allows for a full ensemble sound that remains manageable for developing musicians.About the Music12 Drummers Drumming is a large ensemble work that remains highly accessible, specifically suited for a strong middle school percussion section or a developing high school group. Rather than relying on complex polyrhythms, the arrangement uses a clever distribution of melodic and rhythmic parts to create a rich, festive atmosphere. As a result, the piece sounds sophisticated and impressive to audiences while remaining achievable for students.The scoring is diverse, featuring a blend of keyboard instruments and a busy battery section. With parts for Bells, Vibraphone, Xylophone, and two Marimbas, the melodic layer is bright and punchy. In addition, the inclusion of Timpani, Snare Drum, and Bass Drum provides a solid rhythmic foundation that drives the energy forward.Instruments and TexturesThe true “fun” of this piece lies in the two auxiliary percussion parts. These players are kept busy with a wide array of sounds, including:Cymbals and TambourineBird Whistle and Bulb HornCowbell, Triangle, and ClavesFurthermore, these auxiliary colors add a layer of humor and character to the performance. Because of this varied instrumentation, the piece encourages players to develop their multi-percussion skills and accessory techniques within a fun, festive context.Composed by Dane NewloveScored for 9 percussionistsAccessible for Middle School or Junior High levelsIncludes diverse keyboard and auxiliary instrumentationPublished by Per-Mus PublicationsPerfect for holiday and seasonal concert programmesPerformance and Style12 Drummers Drumming works exceptionally well as a concert opener or a lighthearted finale for a seasonal programme. Because the music combines familiar holiday spirit with quirky percussion effects, it instantly engages the audience. The arrangement also allows directors to showcase a large portion of their percussion section at once, making it a practical choice for school music programmes.In addition, the clear rhythmic structures help students focus on ensemble timing and balance. Consequently, the piece serves as an excellent teaching tool for developing “ensemble listening” while preparing a crowd-pleasing performance.Composer BackgroundDane Newlove is well-known for creating percussion literature that is both pedagogically sound and highly entertaining. His works often feature creative use of accessory instruments to bring a sense of personality to the stage.In this holiday setting, Newlove reimagines festive rhythms through the lens of a modern percussion section. Published by Per-Mus Publications, this piece highlights his ability to write music that students love to practice and audiences love to hear.More InformationExplore our full range of seasonal and concert works in our Percussion Ensembles collection. For additional publisher details and repertoire, please visit the Per-Mus Publications website.Conclusion12 Drummers Drumming by Dane Newlove brings festive energy and a touch of whimsy to the concert hall. Because of its accessible scoring for nine players and its colorful array of auxiliary percussion, it is a fantastic choice for middle school directors looking for a fun and effective holiday ensemble piece.
