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Ave Maria is among the most popular and often used pieces at weddings and recitals. The simple accompaniment combined with the famous flowing melody makes it a great choice to feature a clarinet player throughout. Arranged by David Marlatt for woodwind quartet (2 flutes, 2 clarinets).

It begins with no introduction, just as we are used to hearing carols sung at gatherings or on street corners. Twice more it is repeated in chorale form, ending with majestic style.

Duke Wenceslas I ruled Bohemia from 921-935. Today, he is the patron saint of the Czech Republic, and is well known as the subject of the 1853 Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas." This arrangement for brass quintet incorporates quartal fanfares, a variation built on an Eastern mode and a brief glimpse of Smetana's "Moldau."

The traditional music for O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is believed to have originated in the 15th century. While retaining the flowing quality of the original chant melody throughout, this arrangement features substantial reharmonizations of the hymn, which help to impart a sense of heightened anticipation in keeping with the Advent season."

George Frederic Handel wrote his most famous oratorio, Messiah, in a little over three weeks. There is little doubt that this work is one of the most famous and often performed choral pieces in history. Handel conducted many performances in his day and there never seemed to have been a period when the work was not played.

The simple setting of this well known tune was done in my first year of working with the percussion ensemble at a Junior High School. I had quite a few problems finding music suitable for their level of development, so I wrote a simple arrangement for them for the Holiday Season. We were lucky enough to have an Elementary School as a feeder school that had hand bells, so the optional hand bell introduction was written. It is arranged for 2 Bells parts, Chimes and percussion.

This beautiful and flowing Christmas carol was written by Pietro Yon. The melody is found mainly between the Horn and Flugel horn with the rest of the ensemble supporting with rhythmic figures. Slight variations are added as each verse is played.

George Frederic Handel wrote his most famous oratorio, Messiah, in a little over three weeks. There is little doubt that this work is one of the most famous and often performed choral pieces in history. Handel conducted many performances in his day and there never seemed to have been a period when the work was not played.

This arrangement, for 6 clarinets, was taken from a collection of short pieces for five voices. It was written in the early 1600s for Christmas time but is well suited for performances at any time of year. A call and response between a soloist and the rest of the ensemble adds to the interest of this work.

This arrangement for 6 trumpets was taken from a collection of short pieces for five voices. It was written in the early 1600s for Christmas time but is well suited for performances at any time of year. A call and response between a soloist and the rest of the ensemble adds to the interest of this work.

Holiday Fanfare was commissioned by the University of Tennessee Trumpet Ensemble, Cathy Leach, Director. Holiday Fanfare for 6 trumpets combines fragments and figures from several holiday songs, including Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Angels We Have Heard on High (with a mariachi feel!) and Away in a Manger.

The Huron Indian Carol (also known as The Huron Carol and 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime) is generally considered the first Canadian Christmas carol. This hauntingly beautiful piece set for 3 like-instruments and piano is not too difficult but very effective on a holiday concert.

There are many versions of the text and music for this famous Christmas carol. The music was found in the collection Christmas Carols New and Old by Bramley and Stainer in 1878. All parts get a chance with the rollicking melody including the lowest voices. This is something a little different for your next Christmas season concert. (2:20)

This very popular piece has been arranged many times for various instruments. This version for 2 flutes and piano alternates between the chorale theme and the wandering counter-melody that has made this piece so famous.

This arrangement for 3 flutes is a fun treatment of one of the most popular Christmas melodies. All three parts have melody and a chance to show off technique, sound and musicality. There are a set of variations which include a section in a rollicking 6/8, a funeral march and the final technical show off.

This piece was written in the thirteenth Century by an unknown composer. It was set as a single melodic line as many Gregorian chants were constructed. Lush, modern harmonies have been added to make it the popular Christmas piece it is today. The first clarinet is the featured player in this arrangement and first states the melody alone. This is to emulate the call and response between a soloist and congregation at a church service found in many denominations. It has been adapted here for 2 flutes and 2 clarinets.

Christmas Is Coming is a traditional English Christmas carol and nursery rhyme. It was popularized in the early 1960s in an album by the Kingston Trio, and again in the late 70s by John Denver and the Muppets on The Muppet Show.

These arrangements are fun and easy and will make a perfect addition to any Christmas concert or holiday celebration. Also available with these arrangements are beautiful, lush orchestral accompaniment tracks available for free download from enpmusic.com or vincegassi.com. These stunning and colorful scorings would make a special addition to a church service or school event. Simply download whichever mp3s you want and play them through speakers and have the instrumentalists play along. Titles: Good King Wenceslas * Holly and the Ivy * Huron Carol * Jingle Bells * O Christmas Tree * Silent Night * Up on the Rooftop * Little Drummer Boy * We Three Kings * Ding Dong Merrily on High.

These arrangements are fun and easy and will make a perfect addition to any Christmas concert or holiday celebration. Also available with these arrangements are beautiful, lush orchestral accompaniment tracks available for free download from enpmusic.com or vincegassi.com. These stunning and colorful scorings would make a special addition to a church service or school event. Simply download whichever mp3s you want and play them through speakers and have the instrumentalists play along. Titles: Good King Wenceslas * Holly and the Ivy * Huron Carol * Jingle Bells * O Christmas Tree * Silent Night * Up on the Rooftop * Little Drummer Boy * We Three Kings * Ding Dong Merrily on High.

These arrangements are fun and easy and will make a perfect addition to any Christmas concert or holiday celebration. Also available with these arrangements are beautiful, lush orchestral accompaniment tracks available for free download from enpmusic.com or vincegassi.com. These stunning and colorful scorings would make a special addition to a church service or school event. Simply download whichever mp3s you want and play them through speakers and have the instrumentalists play along. Titles: Good King Wenceslas * Holly and the Ivy * Huron Carol * Jingle Bells * O Christmas Tree * Silent Night * Up on the Rooftop * Little Drummer Boy * We Three Kings * Ding Dong Merrily on High.

Wassailing songs are among the most popular of the secular holiday songs of Christmas. The tradition of wassailing" refers to townsfolk going door to door, singing and drinking to the health of those whom they visit. This is basically what we know as "caroling." This popular British Christmas carol has been cleverly arranged to give all members of the ensemble interesting melodic parts. Rests are a must on a Christmas concert and this has been taken into account, giving chop breaks as needed. (3:20)"

This traditional folk song from Catalonia (a region in Spain) has been regularly sung during the Christmas season all over the world. There are also numerous instrumental versions, including notable ones for solo guitar that are very popular. This arrangement begins like the guitar versions---simple, light, and clean. It grows to be more full and sonorous than a guitar ever could, before ending, as it began---peacefully. (2:45)

Handel's most frequently performed and most famous oratorio is probably best known for the famous Hallelujah." The "Hallelujah" is the grand chorus that caused the King to rise from his seat and, as all good subjects, the entire audience rose with him. This tradition holds true even today, reminding us of the great beginnings of this powerful music. This arrangement, for band and optional choir, has been lowered a tone from the original into C concert. (4:30)"

Wassailing songs are among the most popular of the secular holiday songs of Christmas. The tradition of wassailing" refers to townsfolk going door to door, singing and drinking to the health of those whom they visit. This is basically what we know as "caroling." This popular British Christmas carol has been cleverly arranged to give all members of the ensemble interesting melodic parts. Rests are a must on a Christmas concert and this has been taken into account, giving chop breaks as needed. (3:20)"

This traditional folk song from Catalonia (a region in Spain) has been regularly sung during the Christmas season all over the world. There are also numerous instrumental versions, including notable ones for solo guitar that are very popular. This arrangement begins like the guitar versions---simple, light, and clean. It grows to be more full and sonorous than a guitar ever could, before ending, as it began---peacefully. (2:45)

Pat-a-Pan" is a very rustic Christmas piece that is set in a round beginning with a solo violin and pyramiding down to make a quartet. The percussive drone parts add a distinct color to this piece works well with strings. The cello gets to shine with an unaccompanied pass through the melody."

This piece requires no introduction. A jolly and happy piece throughout. Melody is found in all parts and key changes and some variations has been included. A great closer for a Christmas concert.

This is a lesser known Christmas piece dating from around 1550. It is rhythmic and colorful with melody in several voices. The opening is a call and response between the solo cello and the remainder of the group. There are some sections with some fast bow work, but the piece is not too difficult for a group to put together and be enjoyed by audiences.

The Huron Indian Carol" is generally considered the first Canadian Christmas carol. It was originally written in the Huron Indian language in 1641 and set to an old French tune by a Jesuit priest. This hauntingly beautiful piece, set for full orchestra, is not too difficult but very effective on a holiday concert. (3:15)"

This is a lesser known Christmas piece dating from around 1550. It is rhythmic and colorful with melody in several voices. The opening is a call and response between the solo cello and the remainder of the group. There are some sections with some fast bow work, but the piece is not too difficult for a group to put together and be enjoyed by audiences.