Add a touch of holiday mischief to your program with Krampus on the Rooftop by Randall Standridge. Set in C minor and 4/4 time, this Grade 1 work brings the legendary Christmas figure to life with a dark, playful twist on the familiar tune Up on the Housetop.

Foreboding and fun narration sets the stage as the story unfolds, supported by rattling chains, sudden musical surprises, and colorful percussion effects. Bass drum “footsteps,” whip cracks, and even a few screams add theatrical flair while remaining accessible for young players. Fun, engaging, and just a little eerie, Krampus on the Rooftop is a memorable addition to any holiday concert.

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Program Notes

I have always had a deep love for two things:  Christmas… and scary movies.

So naturally, when I discovered the legend of Krampus, I thought, “Well, this is perfect.”

For those unfamiliar, Krampus is a figure from European folklore who accompanies Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas rewards the good children, Krampus is responsible for dealing with the naughty ones… usually involving chains, branches, and a general sense that you should probably make better life choices. Also, Krampuslauf, the traditional celebration of Krampus, takes place on December 5th, which just so happens to be my birthday. So really, this was inevitable.

Now, I will admit, this is not my first musical encounter with Krampus. About ten years ago, I wrote a piece based on this character that was, shall we say… a bit intense. A Christmas Tale: Beware the Krampus was deemed “too scary” for some performers and audiences.  So with this piece, I wanted to revisit the idea, but make it more accessible. A little shorter. A little lighter. Still spooky… but maybe not nightmare-inducing.

Krampus on the Rooftop is a Grade 1 work for band and narrator that tells the tale of a Christmas Eve visit from this infamous holiday creature. The piece begins with an ominous warning from the narrator as the band sets a dark and mysterious tone. Soon after, a familiar tune emerges, a minor mode version of Up on the Housetop, twisted just enough to make you wonder if something is not quite right.  Throughout the piece, you will hear rattling chains, sudden musical surprises,his heavy steps signified by the bass drum, and even a few screams. The whip crack represents Krampus’s bundle of branches, which he uses to swat those on the naughty list.

Am I revisiting familiar ground? Maybe.  But I believe Krampus deserves his moment in the spotlight. He is a colorful and mischievous part of holiday folklore, and this piece offers a fun and slightly spooky way to introduce him to a new generation of young musicians.

So as you settle in on Christmas Eve…if you hear something on the rooftop…just hope that it’s reindeer.

Peace, Love, and Music… and a Scary, Scary Christmas to all.  - Randall

Digital:$60.00

Physical: $60.00