All I Want For Christmas Is You arr. Manuel Leuenberger

DescriptionAll I Want For Christmas Is You, arranged by Manuel Leuenberger, brings the modern holiday classic into the percussion ensemble world through thoughtful voicing and festive texture. Published by HIP / Hits in Percussion, this arrangement combines melodic clarity with rhythmic flair, making it ideal for concert settings, school ensembles, and seasonal programs.Instrumentation & FormatWritten for 6 to 8 players, the parts include glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba 1, marimba 2, drum set, and optional timpani and auxiliary percussion (such as sleigh bells or bongos). The marimba parts can be covered on one instrument if needed, ensuring flexibility for smaller ensembles.Difficulty & RangeRated at a Medium-Advanced / Grade 4 level, this arrangement challenges players with expressive phrasing, dynamic layering, and ensemble coordination. It offers both educational value and performance appeal, making it well-suited for intermediate to advanced programs.Musical Character & Performance NotesThis version retains the song’s warm, inviting melody while enriching it with layered mallet textures and rhythmic support. The percussion voices add sparkle and depth without overshadowing the piece’s original charm. Use medium mallets in keyboard parts to balance clarity and blend. Emphasize smooth transitions and dynamic contrast to highlight the arrangement’s structure.Key FeaturesArranged by Manuel Leuenberger for percussion ensembleInstrumentation: glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, two marimbas, drum set, optional timpani & percussionMarimba parts may be played on one instrumentGrade: Medium-Advanced (Grade 4)6–8 playersPublished by HIP / Hits in PercussionMore InformationBrowse more festive and pop repertoire arrangements in our Christmas Music collection. For official publication details, see the HIP-Music website.ConclusionAll I Want For Christmas Is You (arr. Manuel Leuenberger) gives percussion ensembles a vibrant, polished holiday selection. With strong instrumentation and ensemble flexibility, it’s a festive and rewarding choice for seasonal concerts and ensemble showcases.