*
banner

BrookWright Music: We Wish You a Merry Christmas (arr. Kenneth Downie)

As Noddy Holder used to shout out — 'It'sssssss Chrissssstmassss' — well for soprano players it is with this little Xmas cracker solo.

Brookwright
  Christmas is coming.... for sop players at least

This light-hearted soprano cornet feature offers a fresh and entertaining take on the well-known Christmas carol.

Thought to date back to 16th-century England, it reflects a tradition of festive singing outside the homes of the well-to-do, often accompanied by requests for treats such as figgy pudding, a forerunner of today's Christmas pudding.

Jovial

Kenneth Downie's arrangement embraces the jovial spirit of the original, pairing nimble soprano cornet writing with bright, colourful scoring for brass band. The famous refrain, 'And we won't go until we've got some', sets the tone: cheerful, a touch cheeky, and full of seasonal good humour.

Rolling score:

To view a rolling score video of the work featuring soprano star Gary Fountain: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WCW9oBw-mY

A version of this solo is available as part of the Sounds of the Season series, with both piano accompaniment and MP3 orchestral backing track, available from BrookWright Music.

Difficulty Level: 3rd Section +

PDFs and sheet music

PDFs available for instant download at:
https://www.brookwrightmusic.com/product-page/we-wish-you-a-merry-christmas-soprano-cornet-solo-with-band-arr-kenneth-downie

Sheet music available at:
www.brassband.co.uk
www.durhammusicshop.co.uk
www.cimarronmusic.com (USA)

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Greighallen

World of Brass to live-broadcast Norwegian National Championships

November 8 • The action from the 2027 Norwegian National Championships will be live-streamed by World of Brass on their wobplay.com media platform.


swbba

Results: 2026 SWBBA Contest

November 8 • Tongwynlais Temperance claims the cross border honours in Torquay with section wins for Weston Brass, St. Pinnock, Pendennis Brass, St. Austell Youth and Hatherleigh Training.


SBBBa

Result: 2026 SBBBA Borders Entertainment Contest

November 8 • Jedforest Instrumental claim the honours in Galashiels.


siddis

Results: 2026 Siddis Championships

November 8 • Manger become Norway's top entertainers for the first time since 2021, with section wins for Gjallarhorn, Bergen Brass, Oster Brass and Randaberg.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.Playing with us does not impact on your band. We meet in our bandroom at 11am it is all free including refreshments


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd