NEW Holiday Arrangements for Band 2022 Thursday, October 27, 2022
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
A Christmas Carol by Randall Standridge, Grade 2.5
Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” is brought to life in this engaging attacca suite by composer Randall Standridge. A narrator guides the audience through the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he encounters Marley’s ghost, meets the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Christmas Yet to Come, before finally arriving at a moment of joy and triumph on Christmas morning. Sure to be a new perennial holiday favorite for performers and audiences alike!
Christmas Exhilaration by Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 3.5
A quick and to-the-point fanfare for your next holiday concert. It has hints of various popular carols wrapped in an energy infused fanfare in triple meter. Lots of poignant biting harmonies in the brass that leads to a satisfying conclusion.
A Christmas Tiding by Tyler Arcari, Grade 4
A roaring combination of “’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” After a subtle lush opening the piece is off and running in a fantastic 7/8 groove that is bold and aggressive. It is well-scored and will make your symphonic band sound outstanding.
December Joy arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 3
Arranged by Douglas E. Wagner, three well-known secular carol tunes are showcased in this big and brassy, bright and flashy seasonal extravaganza, especially suited as a concert opener. Beginning with a cascade of chimes, soaring woodwind runs, and bold brass lines, “Deck the Hall” and “Here We Come A-Caroling” are presented with dynamic flair, interspersed with brief fanfare-like episodes. The mood transitions to a jaunting sleigh ride across the winter landscape, partnering the second time through with “Jingle Bells,” as the spirited celebration closes with a short coda, drawn from musical materials heard in the opening measures of the work.
Joy Through the Holidays by Robert W. Smith, Grade 1
“Joy Through The Holidays” is a joyous opening statement for your holiday concert! Drawing upon classic favorites, this arrangement by Robert W. Smith is carefully scored to make your young musicians sound brilliant. A perfect proclamation to begin the season of celebration and joy!
Fanfare for the Festival of Lights by Evan VanDoren, Grade 3.5
“Fanfare for the Festival of Lights” weaves two traditional Hanukkah melodies, “Ma’oz Tzur” and “The Dreidel Song” into a colorful, rousing celebration! Evan VanDoren has masterfully crafted an approachable, mature-sounding composition that will challenge your best performers while meeting the needs of your developing players. Get your next holiday concert started with energy and excitement!
Hanukkah Dances arr. Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 2
Liven up your holiday concert with a medley of four familiar Hanukkah tunes (“Hanukkah, Hanukkah,” “Sivivon,” “Dreidel,” and “Maoz Tzur”) in “Hanukkah Dances,” arranged by Katie O’Hara LaBrie. All students have melodic opportunities equally in this spirited arrangement that is perfect for any level. Students and audiences alike will love hearing familiar melodies introduced and then intertwined among all the voices of the band.
Noche de Paz arr. Brian Bankston, Grade 2
A creative reimagining of the classic carol “Silent Night” in the relaxing Brazilian style of Bossa Nova. Warm and mellow harmonies, deceptive chord movements and Latin percussion provide an excellent education in ethnic rhythms and sounds. Broaden your band’s diversity with this tranquil arrangement of a Christmas classic.
Santa the Barbarian and the Pirates of the North Pole by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
This feisty and festive holiday work finds our titular anti-hero taking to the seas to spread his brand of holiday mayhem. Written in a jaunty 3/4 time, Chapter 2 of the “Santa the Barbarian Saga” evokes both yuletide cheer and danger on the high seas as our jolly old elf and his pirates pillage, plunder, and bring the spirit of the season to anyone unlucky enough to cross their paths. Incorporating numerous familiar tunes (Jolly Old St. Nicholas, I Saw Three Ships, Ukrainian Bell Carol, and more) into the style of seas chanties, this work for Narrator and Concert Band is sure to be the talk of your next winter concert! Rated ARRRRRRGH!
Wexford Carol arr. Rob Romeyn, Grade 3
The “Wexford Carol” is a traditional Irish carol dating back to the 12th century. This wonderful arrangement begins with a solo piccolo (or flute) amidst a transparent harmonic setting. Melody is then presented by various sections of the band amid lush harmonies as the music develops. Changing styles and textures keep the interest level high, before building to a powerful full climax. From here, the music ends as it began, with the solo piccolo leading to a sensitive and heartfelt conclusion.
Winter Festival by Matthew Donnelly, Grade 3.5
“Winter Festival” is a musical description of a group of children sliding down snow cover hills on toboggans and sleds. In the cold winter months in Canada, there was no better way to spend a winter Saturday than getting outside and enjoying all that the north had to offer. Brilliant scales and rhythmic parts for all make this an excellent opener on a winter concert.
Wintertide by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
Winter is a truly magical season. The white snow, the long nights, the holiday lights, the festivals…it truly feels like no other time of the year. Join Composer Randall Standridge on this new wintertime journey!
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About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.