Caliente Christmas arr. Rick Dior

The holidays just got a little warmer with Caliente Christmas. A Latin-tinged percussion ensemble piece for 10–11 players, it includes a medley of Good King Wenceslas in odd-metered variations, an ethereal and relaxed Silent Night, and an Afro-Cuban version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

Of particular note is the featuring of a unique percussion instrument arranger Rick Dior likes to call a “slapaphone,” which consists of 3” PVC pipes in five different pitches and played with rubber-lined wooden paddles (think Blue Man Group). Alternative options are outlined in the notes for those less interested in building a custom instrument.

There is plenty of room for improvisation throughout the arrangement. With heavy use of Guaguancó, Mozambique, and Songo rhythms, it gives the drumset and percussion players a great way to highlight their command of these grooves. Add some spice to your next holiday concert with Caliente Christmas!

Caliente Christmas comes as a full, bound score and includes a CD-ROM containing individual parts and a recording.