Understated, straight-ahead swing à la Dave Brubeck meets a traditional English Christmas carol. There's mostly full-ensemble playing with a brief, written trumpet solo, cued for Trombone. Drums played with brushes and optional Bells are featured. A charming addition to the holiday library. (Top Trumpet Note: G5)
Discover MakeMusic Cloud: thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Fraley strips the carol down to its essence and dresses it in genuine swing language without overcomplicating the writing. The written trumpet solo gives soloists something melodic to sink their teeth into, while the trombone cue ensures flexibility across different sections. It's the kind of arrangement that sounds sophisticated but sits comfortably at Grade 2.5.
What to expect
A casual stroll through familiar carol territory with a Brubeck-informed harmonic swagger. The brushed drums and optional bells create a wintry, almost impressionistic backdrop while the ensemble melody stays grounded and recognizable.
Who it's for
Holiday jazz programs that want something fresh but not experimental. Works equally well for middle school ensembles with solid sight-reading and high school groups looking for a palate cleanser in their December concert.
How to get the most out of it
Keep the swing feel conversational and light; think trio or quartet intimacy scaled up to ensemble size rather than big-band swagger.
The brush pattern on drums anchors the groove, so lock that in first before worrying about the ensemble's ensemble hits.
The trumpet solo benefits from rubato within the swing framework. Encourage the soloist to play the melody, not just the notes.
If you use the optional bells, blend them low enough to shimmer rather than chime. They're accent, not foundation.
How to use it
Pair this with heavier or more traditional holiday fare to create contrast. Its restraint makes it especially effective as an opener or closer, giving audiences a moment of sophistication before or after fuller arrangements.
Skills your students will build
Swing feel and articulation in jazz context
Reading lead sheet and cued parts
Brush technique and ensemble texture control
Balancing written melody with accompanimental swing
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
