Short Ride in a Fast Sled is a fun winter concert piece written as a nod to John Adams' well-known “Short Ride in a Fast Machine”. It presents a neat opportunity for directors to show Adams' famous work to their students, as the two pieces share several key elements – constant woodblock, minimalism, and repetitive dissonant ostinato patterns.

After the patterns (including sleigh bells!) set the scene, a spirited holiday melody shows a fast sled ready to move. Quotes from “Deck the Halls” are dusted throughout, and all sections have melodic and interesting parts to play. Enjoy this Short Ride in a Fast Sled!