Christmas Tunes for Jazz Ensemble Tuesday, November 20, 2018
recommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist
Mary, Did You Know? arr. Rich Sigler, Grade 2.5
A beautiful holiday rock ballad played at around 98 BPM. The opening melody on this tender ballad is written featuring your 1st tenor sax player. Lead trumpet range is to written F on the top line. Optional parts include flute, clarinet, and vibraphone. Sweet chart!
Christmas Is Coming by Vince Guaraldi/arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 2
Originally heard in the landmark 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the music composed and recorded by Vince Guaraldi has taken on a life of its own. “Christmas Is Coming” is a lighthearted, yet driving composition in the recognizable “Guaraldi” style. Great choice for the holiday season!
Silver Bells arr. Rick Stitzel, Grade 3-4
This holiday classic has been recorded by countless jazz artists through the years. Arranged here in a medium tempo swing style, Rick’s chart will sound great with limited rehearsal time.
It Swings Upon a Midnight Clear by Larry Neeck, Grade 2.5
This breezy, swinging arrangement of the classic carol “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” will be a hit at your holiday concert! The melodies are nicely stated over colorful unison lines and some punchy brass support. The change-of-pace middle section is established by the insistent tom-tom rhythm (a la Krupa!), while the band builds up the riffs to a powerful climax. The modest solo changes (suggested solos are included) will encourage your students to give it a try. This appealing holiday chart is perfect for that jazz moment in your holiday concert!
Deck the Halls with All Sorts of Funky by Erik Sherburne, Grade 2.5
What do James Brown in a Santa Suit, this chart, and an Ugly Sweater party all have in common? They make Christmastime funky! “Deck the Halls With All Sorts of Funky” is nothing but holiday fun. Written so it works with reduced instrumentation, it also features each section of the group spreading holiday cheer that is fun for the band and for the audience! A guaranteed holiday favorite!
Saint Nick Takes It to the House arr. Paul Clark, Grade 1.5
Your young jazzers will love this funky version of “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” from the Barnhouse “Jazz Starters!” series! Written solos are included, but since the solo section only uses two chords, this would be a great way to get some improvisation going on. Pass out the Santa hats and “take it to the house” at your next holiday performances!
Silent Night arr. Paul Clark, Grade 1.5
A beautiful arrangement of one of the most recognizable holiday tunes. The written solo is shown in all parts, allowing one or several players to be featured. Very easy to prepare, and playable for your youngest jazz band. With the included parts for all wind instruments, this arrangement could also be effectively used by your young concert band. Simple, yet elegant – the perfect holiday selection for your beginning jazz concert!
About the Author:
Ben Huntoon is the Jazz Education Consultant at Stanton’s Sheet Music. He received bachelors and masters degrees in music from Capital University and The Ohio State University respectively. As a professional trumpeter, Ben is accomplished in a wide variety of genres and has performed throughout the Midwest on many stages over the past 30 years. He also teaches trumpet, coaches brass ensembles and has served on the jazz faculty at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.