Big Band Christmas II: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Strommen understands what directors need: accessible holiday material that works without excessive rehearsal time. The medley format lets you program substantial seasonal content in a single piece, and the varied tempos and textures keep both ensemble and audience engaged throughout.

A well-constructed journey through four beloved holiday melodies, each one receiving its own musical personality. Strommen's arrangement balances festive ensemble textures with breathing room for soloists, creating a celebratory feel that never overstays its welcome at just under four minutes.

Jazz ensemble directors seeking reliable, engaging holiday repertoire that fits realistic rehearsal schedules. This works equally well for high school jazz bands, community jazz ensembles, and university performance groups who want a polished seasonal program without months of preparation.

• Balance the ensemble work carefully during the melodic statements; the horn sections need to lock the harmonies so the featured solos (tenor sax and trumpet) sit cleanly on top.
• Tempo transitions between the four tunes deserve attention in rehearsal. Mark them clearly on the conductor score and give your ensemble a steady preparatory gesture at each shift to maintain rhythmic integrity.
• The short solo passages are opportunities for your best improvisers, but even non-jazz specialists can execute them effectively by working the written lines until they feel natural.

Program this as a centerpiece in a holiday concert, ideally pairing it with one or two shorter seasonal pieces to create a focused winter set. The medley format also makes it an excellent opener for concerts where you want to establish an upbeat, accessible mood before moving into concert literature.

• Navigating multiple tempo changes within a single piece
• Ensemble balance and section cohesion in complex harmonic textures
• Executing short jazz solo passages with style and confidence
• Interpreting jazz articulation and phrasing across different styles