Feliz Navidad (arr. Rick Stitzel): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By José Feliciano / Arranged by Rick Stitzel
Grade: 1.5
Item: 35-PK01299674
$45.00
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Description
This simple yet unforgettable tune is always a holiday favorite. Rick's great-sounding arrangement with no solos required, and the melody passed from section to section, is sure to bring cheer to any winter concert.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01299674
More about this title
About the Composer: José Feliciano
José Feliciano is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter whose 1970 rendition of "Feliz Navidad" became one of the most enduring holiday songs in popular music. His warm, accessible style and bilingual approach to the composition helped it transcend cultural boundaries and establish itself as a standard in seasonal celebrations across generations.
Feliciano's gift for crafting melodies that stick with listeners while maintaining genuine musical substance makes his work particularly valuable in educational settings. "Feliz Navidad" demonstrates how a simple, memorable tune paired with thoughtful arrangement can create something that engages performers and audiences alike, regardless of musical background or experience level.
Why we love this
Stitzel's arrangement respects what makes this tune work so well: the melody itself carries the piece, and by distributing it across sections, every student gets a moment to contribute. The absence of solos removes pressure from individual players while keeping everyone invested in the performance, which makes this ideal for ensembles with mixed confidence levels.
What to expect
There's an easy comfort to this piece, the musical equivalent of sitting by a fire during a winter evening. Stitzel's voicings are warm and inviting without being saccharine, creating an arrangement that feels both straightforward and genuinely musical.
Who it's for
Any jazz ensemble, regardless of experience, will find success with this arrangement. It works equally well for high school groups building their holiday repertoire or community ensembles looking for reliable, audience-friendly material that doesn't demand extended technical facility.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the tempo relaxed and unhurried. The charm of this arrangement lives in its simplicity, so resist the urge to push the tempo forward.
- Balance the melody carefully as it passes between sections. Brief rehearsal passages where only the carrying section plays can help clarify the line.
- Layer the harmony thoughtfully rather than blending everything into one wash of sound. Clear sectional sound allows the passing melody to land with warmth.
- Shape the overall arc by allowing small dynamic shifts when the melody moves. This keeps student attention focused and helps the audience follow the tune's journey.
How to use it
Place this mid-concert during your holiday performance to provide a moment of relaxation and familiarity. Its approachability makes it an effective closer as well, sending audiences out with the melody humming in their heads.
Skills your students will build
- Passing melodic lines between sections while maintaining phrase continuity
- Balancing ensemble sound in jazz voicings
- Responding to sectional cues and entrances
- Interpreting swing style in a straightforward context
- Supporting rather than dominating the harmonic texture