Christmas Jazz Thursday, October 29, 2020
recommended by Ben H., Jazz Specialist
Hallelujah Shout Chorus by Tim Waters, Grade 3
This chart offers more fun than you thought you could have at a holiday concert. Using themes from Handel’s “Messiah” weaved throughout exciting big band shout chorus writing, this chart is truly an inventive take on a holiday classic! The solo section features space for any instrument to solo over Eb blues changes.
O Little Town of Bethlehem arr. Jim Mahaffey, Grade 2.5
Starting out with an eloquent brass chorale, this tender arrangement of the holiday standard features some nice legato moments. There are short written solos on the melody for the Trumpet and Alto Sax along with some nice dynamic writing. A great tune for your next holiday concert for sure!
Silent Night arr. Tim Waters, Grade 2
This easy jazz rock ballad takes a nice eloquent twist on the holiday standard with just the right amount of subtle funkiness to keep things exciting. There is a short written Trumpet solo on the melody.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas arr. Tim Waters, Grade 3
This driving Latin Rock version of the Christmas classic make the perfect ending to your holiday concert. The solo section features space for ad-lib solos for Trumpet, Alto Sax or Tenor Sax before the entire band returns to rock the melody hard until the end.
Greensleeves arr. Les Sabina, Grade 2.5
A great chart for the holidays or any season. This jazz waltz bounces along at around 158 BPM with a written-out suggested alto sax solo, lead trumpet range up to written A above the staff. Easy to rehearse for the young band, check it out!
A Chili Pepper Christmas by Doug Beach & George Shutack, Grade 3.5
Though it took some time and real effort to convince the famous Chili Pepper to tackle the concept of holiday music, it’s finally a reality! Featuring three great classics – “I Saw Three Ships,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” and “Jingle Bells” – this samba style medley at the medium level is a joyous celebration of the holidays. While improvisation is certainly encouraged, sheets with written solo lines for both open sections are included with each set.
Winter Wonderland arr. Victor Lopez, Grade 2
A holiday fav, arranged as Latin bossa with a swing intro. Played around 134 BPM, no solo just ensemble with a unison tutti section for all winds. Lead trumpet range is up to written G on top of the staff. Auxiliary percussion plus optional flute and vibes too!
O Christmas Tree arr. Haley Woodrow, Grade 2
This re-imagining of a classic holiday staple “O Christmas Tree” will be a sure-fire favorite on your holiday concert! Influenced by the sounds of Latin America, this arrangement includes a fun montuno and a swing shout section. While scored for traditional big band instrumentation, it’s also playable with just rhythm section and a single trumpet, trombone, alto saxophone and tenor saxophone, or anything in between. Limited ranges make this accessible to a wide range of bands. Be sure to check out this great Haley Woodrow chart!
O Swingin’ Town of Bethlehem arr. Larry Neeck, Grade 2.5
This up-beat, swinging arrangement of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” checks all the boxes! The jazzy statement of the tune features hip unison lines with some punchy ensemble support. Modest solo changes (suggested solos are included) will encourage your budding improvisers. The change-of-pace middle section is established by the insistent tom-tom rhythm (sleighbells included!), while the band builds up the riffs to the restatement of the theme, and a powerful climax. Larry Neeck’s unique arrangement of this classic carol will get toes tapping, and hands clapping with holiday spirit!
What Child Is This? arr. Paul Clark, Grade 2
Does “What Child Is This?” work as a rock chart? Absolutely, in the hands of Paul Clark! The attention-grabbing introduction is followed by solo alto on the melody, then joined by the tenor. The driving rock builds all the way to the end. Every section gets a chance to be featured in this rockin’ fun chart. Imagine the little drummer boy on cowbell. A guaranteed hit with both your band and audience!
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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.