Grown-Up Christmas List (with Optional Vocal Solo): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By David Foster / By Linda Thompson-Jenner / Arranged by Michael Brown
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00243462
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$70.00
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Description
Though originally recorded by David Foster with Natalie Cole, the 1992 version by Amy Grant is largely responsible for this song's continued popularity. This inspiring ballad will add a special lift to any holiday concert, and Michael's great-sounding arrangement can be performed effectively with or without a vocal soloist. Dur: 3:00
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David Foster is a Canadian music producer and composer whose work across pop, R&B, and adult contemporary music has shaped the sound of multiple decades. His gift for crafting memorable melodies and emotionally direct arrangements has made him a sought-after collaborator for artists ranging from Whitney Houston to Céline Dion, and his production work has earned him multiple Grammy Awards and industry recognition.
Why we love this
Michael Brown's arrangement respects the song's emotional core while giving concert bands a genuine vehicle for the piece. The optional vocal solo feature means you can program this whether or not you have a soloist available, and the Grade 3 scoring keeps it accessible without sacrificing the ballad's warmth and accessibility to holiday audiences.
What to expect
This ballad carries genuine sentiment without saccharine overtones. The arrangement unfolds with quiet dignity, letting the familiar melody speak while the band provides warm, unhurried accompaniment that invites listening rather than demanding virtuosity.
Who it's for
Concert bands looking for holiday repertoire that connects with audiences emotionally without resorting to novelty or overly simplistic scoring. It works equally well for bands with developing musicianship and those seeking straightforward but effective programming material.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the woodwind chorale writing in the verse sections so the melody emerges clearly over sustained harmony. This arrangement relies on blend rather than individual prominence.
If using a vocal soloist, rehearse the band's accompaniment textures separately first. The band needs to lock into a supportive, predictable foundation so the soloist can breathe naturally.
Shape the dynamic arc across the full three minutes rather than playing statically in any section. The arrangement builds incrementally, and that trajectory matters more than hitting individual dynamic markings.
Tune the sustained brass chords with particular care. They anchor the harmonic movement, and any intonation wavering undermines the ballad's sincerity.
How to use it
Place this early in a holiday concert as a counterweight to more spirited selections, or close a program with it if you want the audience to leave with something reflective. At three minutes, it pairs naturally with a shorter concert opener or closer, giving your program architectural balance.
Skills your students will build
Sustained note intonation and tone matching in harmonic contexts
Playing as accompaniment rather than as featured soloists
Stylistic control of ballad tempos and phrase breathing
Responding to a vocalist's phrasing without rushing or dragging the tempo
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