Latest Holiday Concert Band Music 1997

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Grade 1 and 1.5

Bells, Bells, Bells - John Edmondson. (Queenwood) ($32.00) (Grade 1) A medley of "Carol Of The Bells (The Ukrainian Bell Carol)", and "Jingle Bells". It starts in the key of B-flat with soli alto saxophones. The meter is 3/4 with the quarter note equal to 132 beats. The key changes to E-flat. There are some repeated sections.

Christmas In The Kitchen - Arr. Michael Story. (Belwin) ($35.00) (Grade 1) This novelty features "solo water glasses and solo pots and pans". The opening, "Up On the Housetop" is in the key of B-flat. It is in 4/4 meter with the quarter note equal to 132 beats per minute. The key changes to E-flat for Jingle Bells. A rehearsal piano part is included.
Christmas Wishes - Arr. Anne McGinty. (Queenwood) ($32.00) (Grade 1.5) This piece is based on "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" arranged in 3 different styles: swing, ballad and march. The opening key is B-flat in swing style in 4/4 meter. The quarter note is equal to 112 beats per minute. The meter changes at the ballad style into 3/4 meter. The tempo slows down. The key changes to E-flat at the march style and the tempo increase to 120 beats. There are some accidentals throughout.
First Holiday Concert - Arr. John O’Reilly. (Alfred) ($35.00) (Grade 1) (Time 1:45) First Holiday Concert is in the key of B-flat in 4/4 meter. It contains several well known Christmas tunes. A piano accompaniment part is included. This title is correlated to the Accent On Achievement Band Method, Book 1, Page 13.
Good King Wenceslas - Arr. Stephen Bulla. (Curnow Music) ($34.00) (Grade 1) (Time 2:00) This arrangement is in the key of F in 4/4 meter. The quarter note is equal to 112 beats per minute.
Greensleeves - Arr. Jack Bullock. (Belwin) ($35.00) (Grade 1.5) Greensleeves opens with no key signature, however there is a key change to E-flat. There are many dotted quarter and eighth note patterns. All the clarinets play over the break. A full performance CD is included.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Felix Mendelssohn / Bill Holcombe. (Musician Pub.) ($30.00) (Grade 1.5) The opening key is E-flat in common time. The key changes to F. An optional advanced 3rd trombone part is included. This title is playable with only treble parts 1, 2, and 3. It is scored in 3 part harmony with a fourth part added, but not necessary. Each section is scored for a trio or an optional quartet voicing. Suggestions for possible self arrangements are included.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Words by Charles Wesley, music by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy / Eric Osterling. (Hal Leonard) ($35.00) (Grade 1.5) This Christmas favorite opens in the key of B-flat. The key changes to E-flat at measure 31. The meter is 4/4.
Hark! The Herald Trumpets Swing - Arr. Mark Williams. (Alfred) ($38.00) (Grade 1.5) (Time 2:10) This Christmas favorite has been arranged in a medium swing style in 4/4 meter. The quarter note is equal to 138 beats per minute. The key is E-flat with some accidentals. There are three optional trumpet solos.
Holiday Concert (Featuring A Fanfare, A Hanukkah Song, A Woodwind Feature, A Brass Feature, A Percussion Feature and A Finale) - Arr. Larry Clark. (Belwin) ($35.00) (Grade 1.5) The repeats in all movements are optional.
1. Holiday Fanfare is in the key of E-flat. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 120 beats per minute.
2. Hanukkah Song is in the key of E-flat and the meter is 4/4. The quarter note is equal to 100 beats per minute.
3. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas (Woodwind Feature) is in the key of E-flat. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 120 to 132 beats per minute. There is a repeated section. Only the woodwind and percussion have music.
4. Jingle Bells (Brass Feature) is in the key of E-flat. The meter is 2/4 with the quarter note equal to 120 beats. There is a repeated section. The alto saxophone does play along with the brass and percussion.
5. We Three Kings (Percussion Feature) is also in the key of E-flat. The meter is 3/4 with the quarter note equal to 100 beats per minute. The low woodwinds and low brass provide the accompaniment. The bell has a soli. There is a repeated section.
6. We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Finale) is also in the key of E-flat. The meter is 3/4 with the quarter note equal to 120 to 132 beats per minute. There is a repeat as well as a D.S. al Coda.

Holiday Festival - Arr. Michael Story. (Belwin) ($35.00) (Grade 1) (Time 1:51) This title features "Deck the Halls" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". The opening key signature is B-flat. The key changes to E-flat at measure 26. The opening meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 112 beats per minute. The meter changes at measure 22 to 3/4. The flute section has a soli. A rehearsal piano part is included. A full performance recording of this title as well as others is also included.

Joy to the World - Arr. Bill Holcombe. (Musician Pub.) ($30.00) (Grade 1.5) The opening key is B-flat, but it changes to the key of C. The meter is cut time. There are many dotted quarter/eighth note patterns. This title is playable with only treble parts 1, 2, and 3. It is scored in 3 part harmony with a fourth part added, but not necessary. Each section is scored for a trio or an optional quartet voicing. Suggestions for possible self arrangements are included.

Let’s All Share Christmas - Words by Haven Gillespie, music by J. Fred Coots / Gerald Sebesky. (Warner Bros.) ($35.00) (Grade 1) This title is a medley featuring "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town", "Joy to the World", "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas", "Jingle Bells", "O’ Come All Ye Faithful" and the "Hallelujah Chorus". It opens in the key of B-flat, but it changes to the key of F. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 138 beats per minute.

The Little Drummer Boy - Words and music by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone / Gerald Sebesky. (Warner Bros.) ($35.00) (Grade 1) This arrangement is in the key of B-flat. It is written in 4/4 meter with the quarter note equal to 120 beats per minute. There is a repeated section. Rhythms are mostly half and quarter notes.
March From "The Nutcracker" - P. I. Tschaikowsky / Mike Story. (Belwin) ($40.00) (Grade 1.5) This arrangement is in the key of B-flat. It is in 4/4 meter with the quarter note equal to 120 beats per minute. There are some triplet patterns. Much use of staccato and slurring is encountered in this title. The flute and clarinet have a four sixteenth note pattern to play. The trumpet range is to fourth space E. This title is in the Young Band Series from Warner Bros.. A full performance CD is included.

March Of The Magical Toys - Robert W. Smith. (Belwin) ($35.00) (Grade 1.5) This tune is for Christmas. It is in the key of B-flat. The meter signature is 4/4. The quarter note is equal to 120 beats per minute. There are some repeated sections. The drums have a 4 measure soli. A full performance CD is included.

O Little Town of Bethlehem - Words by Phillip Brooks, music by Lewis H. Redner / Elliot Del Borgo. (Belwin) ($35.00) (Grade 1) The key is E-flat in 4/4 meter. There are some accidentals however. The quarter note is equal to 80 beats per minute.

O, Tannenbaum (The Swinging Tree) - Arr. Bill Holcombe. (Musician Pub.) ($30.00) (Grade 1.5) This composition is in the key of E-flat in 3/4 meter. The meter changes to 4/4. There are many dotted quarter notes as well as dotted eighth/sixteenth note patterns. This title is playable with only treble parts 1, 2, and 3. It is scored in 3 part harmony with a fourth part added, but not necessary. Each section is scored for a trio or an optional quartet voicing. Suggestions for possible self arrangements are included.

O Tannenbaum - Arr. Douglas Wagner. (Belwin) ($35.00) (Grade 1.5) This arrangement is in the key of E-flat. The meter signature is 3/4 with the quarter note equal to 72 beats per minute. A full performance CD is included.

Rockin’ On the Housetop - Arr. Steve Hodges. (Alfred) ($38.00) (Grade 1.5) (Time 2:00) This Christmas tune is arranged in a "driving rock" style. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter notes equal to 130 beats per minute. The key is E-flat. It opens with low brass and woodwinds. The percussion also have a soli section. The high woodwinds and low brass/ low woodwinds do a question-answer sequence.
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Words and music by Johnny Marks / Les Taylor. (Warner Bros.) ($40.00) (Grade 1.5) (Time 1:42) This Christmas tune is in the key of B-flat. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 144 beats per minute. The wood block has a solo. There is some use of syncopation.
We Three Kings (Epic Fantasy On) - Arr. James L. Hosay. (Curnow Music) ($39.00) (Grade 1.5) (Time 3:20) The opening key is B-flat in 3/4 meter. The tempo is 120 beats per minute, but the tempo decreases after the introduction to 92 beats. The key changes to F and then back to B-flat. The meter also changes to 4/4 and back again to 3/4. The flute has an optional solo.

White Christmas - Irving Berlin / John Higgins. (Hal Leonard) ($35.00) (Grade 1.5) This Christmas tune is correlated to the Essential Elements Book 1, page. 29. It is in the key of B-flat. The meter signature is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 96 beats per minute. There is a repeated section.
A Winter’s Sleigh Ride - Arr. John O’Reilly. (Alfred) ($35.00) (Grade 1) This title is correlated to the Yamaha Band Student, Book 1, page 7. The tunes featured are, "Up On the Housetop" and "Jingle Bells". It is in the key of B-flat. Only half and quarter notes are used.

Grade 2 & 2.5

Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night) - Arr. Robert W. Smith. (Belwin) ($40.00) (Grade 2) (Time 3:16) This Christmas favorite is in the key of B-flat. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 72 beats per minute.
The Carolers - Arr. James Curnow. (Curnow Music) ($49.00) (Grade 2) (Time 2:10) This title contains 14 different carols. It is in the key of B-flat. The opening meter signature is 4/4. It changes to 2/4 and then back to 4/4 again. The tempo also changes several times from the opening 80 beats per minute. This title is recorded on the CD, "Mid-West 50", by the Band of the Belgian Navy. The CD number is CR-97007 and is available from SMC.
A Christmas Classic (Ding Dong! Merrily On High) - Arr. James Swearingen. (Barnhouse) ($35.00) (Grade 2) A Christmas Classic is in the key of E-flat. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 88 beats per minute. The tempo changes at measure 20 to 116 beats per minute. The bell is featured with a short solo.
Christmas Eve In My Hometown - Words and music by Stan Zabka and Don Upton / Les Taylor. (Warner Bros.) ($40.00) (Grade 2) (Time 2:09) This Christmas tune is in swing style in the key of E-flat. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 100 beats per minute. The key changes at measure 12 to the key of F. The trumpet has a 4 measure solo. The trombones and trumpets need to use cup mutes. There are many dotted eighth-sixteenth note patterns.
Christmas Festival Overture - Arr. Richard Saucedo. (Hal Leonard) ($40.00) (Grade 2) This Christmas medley features "Good King Wenceslas", " Gesu Bambino", and "Joy to the World". It opens in the key of B-flat in 4/4 meter. The quarter note is equal to 116 beats per minute. The key briefly changes to D-flat without changing key signatures. The meter changes to 3/4. The flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet and baritone each have solos or optional solis within their section.
Christmas Music From Bach - J. S. Bach / Frank Erickson. (Erickson) ($58.00) (Grade 2) (Time 4:00) This title is a collection of tunes from the "Christmas Oratorio".
1. "Come and Praise Him" is in the key of F in 3/4 meter. The quarter note is equal to 126 beats per minute.
2. "Holy Child" is in the key of D-flat. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 52 beats per minute.
3. "Be Joyful" is in the key of B-flat. The meter is 3/8 with the eighth note equal to 100 beats per minute.

Christmas Of The Toreador - Arr. Jodi Malone and L. C. Harnsberger. (Alfred) ($40.00) (Grade 2) (Time 2:00) This arrangement adds "Jingle Bells" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" to Bizet’s "March Of The Toreador". The key is B-flat, and there are some accidentals. The meter is 2/4 with the quarter note equal to 96 beats per minute.

Christmas Pageant Overture - Arr. Carl Strommen. (Belwin) ($50.00) (Grade 2.5) This title features "Angels We Have Heard On High", "What Child Is This?", "Gather ‘Round the Tree", and "O Come All Ye Faithful". The key is F. There are some accidentals throughout. The opening meter is 4/4. The meter changes at measure 31 to 6/8 and changes again at measure 66 back to 4/4. The snare drum has a two measure solo. A full performance CD of this title as well as others is included.

A Christmas Trilogy - Arr. Elliot Del Borgo. (Curnow Music) ($49.00) (Grade 2) (Time 3:40) This title features: "Hark The Herald Angels Sing", "Away In A Manger", and "Deck The Halls". It is in the key of E-flat. The opening meter signature is common time with the quarter note equal to 120 beats per minute. There are some repeats throughout this title. The meter changes to 3/4, but comes back to common time.
Coventry Carol (Old English Carol) - Arr. Mark Williams. (Alfred) ($40.00) (Grade 2) (Time 2:35) This arrangement is in the key of A-flat. The meter is 3/4 with the quarter note equal to 88 beats per minute. The alto saxophone and the flute each have a solo.
Deck the Halls - Arr. Bill Holcombe. (Musician Pub.) ($30.00) (Grade 2) This arrangement opens in the key of E-flat. The key changes to F. The meter is cut time. There are many written dotted quarter/eighth note patterns as well as four eighth note patterns. An optional advanced 3rd trombone part is included. This title is playable with only treble parts 1, 2, and 3. It is scored in 3 part harmony with a fourth part added, but not necessary. Each section is scored for a trio or an optional quartet voicing. Suggestions for possible self arrangements are included.
Eine Kleine Christmas - Wolfgang A. Mozart / Larry Clark. (Belwin) ($40.00) (Grade 2) Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is the basis for this tongue in cheek arrangement and it features "traditional holiday favorites with apologies to W.A. Mozart." This title opens in the key of E-flat, but changes to the key of F. The meter signature is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 136 beats per minute.
English Christmas - Arr. Doug Hartzell. (Shawnee) ($30.00) (Grade 2) (Time 2:30) English Christmas is a medley of "The Holly and the Ivy", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "Good King Wenceslas", and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". It opens in the key of B-flat, but changes to E-flat. The meter changes from the opening 3/4 to 4/4 and back again to 3/4. There are some repeats.
A Holly Jolly Christmas - Words and music by Johnny Marks / James D. Ployhar. (Belwin) ($50.00) (Grade 2) This title features a stage-front Dixieland Band. It is in the key of B-flat in cut-time. The half note is equal to 84 beats per minute. Everyone plays the first 8 measure introduction, then the Dixieland group (clarinet, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and tuba) play for 32 measures. The melody is then tossed back and forth several times between tutti and the Dixieland group.
A Joyous Holiday - Arr. Robert E. Foster. (Wingert-Jones) ($35.00) (Grade 2) This title is a medley of four well known Christmas tunes: "Joy to the World", "Hark the Harold Angels Sing", "Jingle Bells" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". It is in the key of E-flat. It starts in 4/4 meter but changes to 2/4, then 3/4 and ending in 4/4. This title is in the Achievement Series. Each title in this series is a learning experience. A scale in addition to the arpeggio in the key of the tune is presented. Musical terms and expressions used in the tune are presented and explained to the student.
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Transcribed by William H. Silvester. (Masters Music) ($25.00) (Grade 2.5) This Christmas tune opens in the key of D. It changes to the key of G and then finally to the key of C. There are some accidentals throughout.
Stille Nacht - Frank Gruber / Arr. Chip Davis and adapted by Johnnie Vinson. (Hal Leonard) ($40.00) (Grade 2.5) This arrangement of Stille Nacht (Silent Night) is an easier version, but yet in the same character as recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. The piano part is not essential but is recommended. A synthesizer may be substituted and is preferable.
Swingin’ Jingle (Jingle Bells) - John Pierpont / James D. Ployhar. (Belwin) ($50.00) (Grade 2) Swingin’ Jingle opens in the key of B-flat. The meter is 4/4 with the quarter note equal to 128 beats per minute. There is much syncopation. The trumpets will do some "du-wah" effects. The key changes to E-flat and later to the key of F.
The Twelve Days of Christmas - Arr. Andrew Balent. (Carl Fischer) ($38.00) (Grade 2) (Time 4:20) This arrangement is in the key of F. It opens in 3/4 meter, but changes to 4/4. There are some repeated sections. The tune gets passed around the band from instrument to instrument. A two part treble chorus part is available separately. A piano reduction is provided in the score. This title is correlated to the Sounds Spectacular Series, Book 2, Lesson 12.
You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch - Lyrics by Dr. Seuss, music by Albert Hague / Michael Story. (Warner Bros.) ($40.00) (Grade 2) This Christmas title is from the TV Special "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". It opens in C minor in 4/4 meter. There are many accidentals. The key changes to D minor at measure 31.

Grade 3 & 3.5

Christmas Adoration - Arr. Paul Curnow. (Curnow Music) ($54.00) (Grade 3) (Time 3:40) This title features "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" and "O Come, Let Us Adore Him". It opens in the key of B-flat and 3/4 meter. The meter changes to 4/4 and then goes back to 3/4. The key also changes to E-flat. There are several tempo changes. This title is recorded on the CD, "Mid-West 50", by the Band of the Belgian Navy. The CD number is CR-97007 and is available from SMC.
Christmas Calypso - Arr. Stephen Bulla. (Curnow Music) ($59.00) (Grade 3) (Time 3:00) Christmas Calypso features a traditional Caribbean Christmas song known as "Mary’s Boy Child". It is in the key of E-flat in 4/4 meter. The opening tempo is 84 beats per minute, but changes to 132 beats after the introduction. This title uses many Latin rhythm instruments. The trumpet is featured in a short solo. There is a repeated section. This title is recorded on the CD, "Tournament", by the University of Iowa Symphonic Band. The CD number is CR-97008 and is available from SMC.
Christmas Fantasy - Arr. Calvin Custer. (Belwin) ($65.00) (Grade 3) (Time 6:04) This is a medley of "Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming", "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light". The opening key is F with the key changing to E-flat at measure 52 and changing to A-flat at measure 94. The meter signature is 4/4. The tempo changes several times throughout. A full performance CD of this title as well as other titles is included.
Christmas Smiles - Arr. Peter Ippolito. (Warner Bros.) ($55.00) (Grade 3) This Christmas medley features "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer!", "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth," and "Leroy, the Redneck Reindeer". The opening key is B-flat, but the key changes to E-flat and finally to F. The opening meter is 4/4, but that changes to cut time. There are several repeated sections.
Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly - Transcribed by William H. Silvester. (Masters Music) ($30.00) (Grade 3) This Christmas favorite opens in the key of F. It changes key four times going through B-flat, E-flat, A-flat and ending in D-flat. The meter is 2/2 with the half note equal to 112 beats per minute. The oboe and the clarinet each have solos.
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano / John Moss. (Hal Leonard) ($50.00) (Grade 3) This light "Latin" Christmas tune opens in the key of A-flat. The key changes to B-flat. The meter is 4/4 with the opening tempo marked at 74 beats per minute. The tempo changes at measure 5 to quarter note equal to 122 to 126 beats per minute.
Holiday Cheers - Arr. Victor Lopez. (Belwin) ($50.00) (Grade 3) This arrangement features "Winter Wonderland" with words by Dick Smith and music by Felix Bernard; and "Sleigh Ride" - Leroy Anderson. It opens in the key of E-flat in 4/4 meter. The 1st trumpet and baritone horn each have solos. At measure 44 the meter changes to cut time. At measure 53 the key changes to F. The 1st trumpet has another solo. There are many accidentals throughout this arrangement. A full performance CD of this title and others is included.
Joy to the World - Words by Isaac Watts, music by George F. Handel / Chip Davis and adapted by Robert Longfield. (Hal Leonard) ($55.00) (Grade 3) This tune was recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. It is in the key of F in 4/4 meter. The quarter note is equal to 152 beats per minute.
A Magical Christmas - John Moss. (Hal Leonard) ($55.00) (Grade 3) This title has 6 short movements going through the keys of E-flat, C, B-flat, and F. Several movements change keys within themselves. The meter likewise also changes frequently. Most movements are in 4/4 with one in 3/4 and another in 12/8.
Ring In the Joy - Ludwig van Beethoven / James Swearingen. (Belwin) ($50.00) (Grade 3) (Time 2:54) This arrangement features "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and "Ode To Joy". The opening key signature is B-flat with the key changing to E-flat at measure 46. The meter signature is 4/4. There are several tempo changes from the opening 84 beats per minute. A full performance CD of this title as well as others is included.
Silent Night - Ttranscribed by William Silvester. (Masters Music) ($25.00) (Grade 3) This arrangement has an optional SATB chorus, parts not included. The key is C in 6/8 meter. There is an English horn solo.
Sounds of the Seasons - arr. John Moss (Hal Leonard) ($55.00) (Grade 3)
A medley containing "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year", "Somewhere In My Memory" and "Silver Bells". The opening key is C in 3/4 time with the dotted half note equals 68 - 72. The tempo changes to quarter notes at 72 and into 4/4 time. Flutes and clarinets will be challenged with some moving sixteenth notes. The key changes to B flat and later to E flat.

Grade 4 & 4.5

A Chanukah Celebration - arr. David Bobrowitz and scored for band by Kenneth P. Soper. (Kjos) ($70.00) (Grade 4) (5:10 minutes)
Features five traditional songs: "Chanukah", "The Dreydle Song", "O Chanukah", "Rock of Ages", and "Who Can Retell". The key changes often from C, to F, to A flat, to D flat, to G, and back to A flat. Tempo and meter also changes frequently.

Grade 5 & 5.5

Prices subject to change without notice.


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