Hark! The Herald Angels Swing: Baritone/Euphonium
Arranged by Chris Sharp
Grade: 3
Item: 98-PC-DB1562_BBC1
$7.00
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Description
This spectacular and unique jazz arrangement pays tribute to the great Dave Brubeck. Showcasing a comfortable multi-meter jazz feel, the music gives a contemporary edge to the classic carol. A wealth of teaching opportunities in a fantastic new setting!
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Concert Band
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DB1562_BBC1
More about this title
About the Composer: Chris Sharp
Chris Sharp earned his Ph.D. from the University of Miami and studied at the University of Florida, building a career that spans performance, composition, and education. He spent eleven years as a performing trombonist and band leader at Walt Disney World, then transitioned to arranging and orchestrating for Disney parks worldwide since 1984, creating music for live shows, recordings, and national broadcasts. His work has also appeared with Universal Studios, the Boston Pops, the Dallas Brass, and the USAF Airmen of Note.
Today, Sharp directs bands at Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida, where he teaches theory, technology, and arranging alongside his compositional work. He has been recognized with multiple ASCAPlus awards and regularly appears as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator for organizations including Bands of America and Drum Corps International. His concert and jazz band works receive consistent performances at major venues like the Midwest Clinic.
Why we love this
Sharp's arrangement transforms a beloved carol into an authentic jazz vehicle without sacrificing accessibility or teachability. The multi-meter jazz feel gives Grade 3 students genuine exposure to contemporary arranging techniques and the Brubeck legacy, making this far more than a holiday filler. Directors get pedagogical substance wrapped in a setting that energizes both musicians and audiences.
What to expect
The piece swings with a calm sophistication that recalls Brubeck's famous "Take Five" and similar works, offering a measured, almost reflective take on a traditional carol. Rather than rushing or bouncing, the arrangement sits in a relaxed but attentive groove, letting the melody shine through contemporary harmonic colors. It feels both fresh and respectful, catching audiences off guard in the best way.
Who it's for
This arrangement works for concert bands of Grade 3 proficiency that want to program something contemporary and stylistically adventurous during the holiday season. Directors seeking to introduce students to jazz harmony, multi-meter thinking, and the influence of Dave Brubeck will find rich teaching material here. It also appeals to ensembles that have developed solid intonation and rhythmic cohesion and are ready for the subtle demands of swing articulation and modal writing.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the jazz swing feel early in rehearsal by having the rhythm section lock in the comping patterns before the full ensemble enters; this creates the rhythmic anchor the soloists and melody voices need.
- Balance the blend between the reeds and brass in the multi-meter sections, as modal voicings can muddy if any section overshoots its dynamic marking.
- Give soloists (if any parts are marked for improvisation or feature passages) space to breathe and own their phrasing; the arrangement supports rubato and interpretation beyond what's written.
- Emphasize articulation clarity in the walking bass and percussion lines, as these carry the rhythmic sophistication that defines the Brubeck sound.
How to use it
Use this as the centerpiece of a holiday concert that mixes traditional and contemporary approaches, positioning it between a straight arrangement and a full jazz band number to show stylistic range. It works particularly well on programs that emphasize American musical traditions or that feature a band composition/arranging focus. Programming it mid-concert keeps energy high without overshadowing lighter opening numbers.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and playing multi-meter jazz feels (particularly mixed time signatures)
- Swing articulation and rhythmic precision in ensemble contexts
- Modal harmony and contemporary chord voicings
- Balancing individual voice clarity within jazz-influenced textures
- Understanding the arranging techniques and stylistic markers that define Dave Brubeck's compositional language