Jazzy Holidays: Flex Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Arranged by Johnnie Vinson
Grade: 2-3
Item: 35-PK00246037
$70.00
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Description
Featuring clever swing versions of familiar Christmas carols, Johnnie Vinson has created this entertaining and well-crafted medley for the holidays. Features flexible instrumentation and includes: "Deck the Hall", "The Holly and the Ivy" and "Jingle Bells". Dur: 2:45
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00246037
More about this title
About the Arranger: Johnnie Vinson
Johnnie Vinson has built a reputation as an arranger who understands what works in the rehearsal room. His writing consistently balances accessibility with musicality, creating pieces that sound polished without demanding virtuosity from players.
Vinson's arrangements for flex ensembles have become classroom staples, particularly among directors seeking quality holiday and pop music repertoire. His gift for orchestration means players at varying levels feel equally engaged.
Why we love this
Vinson captures the swing idiom with clarity and charm, making these carols feel fresh without losing their character. The flexible instrumentation removes the pressure to have a complete instrumentation while the medley format keeps energy high throughout a single, manageable 2:45 piece.
What to expect
Upbeat and spirited, with the sophisticated ease of a swing setting that doesn't require students to stretch technically. Familiar melodies arrive with snappy rhythmic kicks and harmonic freshness, giving listeners the comfort of tradition alongside the lift of a contemporary take.
Who it's for
This works beautifully for middle school and early high school ensembles that want a polished holiday moment without committing excessive rehearsal time. Flex instrumentation means you're not limited by who shows up in December, making it reliable for holiday concerts or community events.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the swing feel early in rehearsal by having the rhythm section lock the eighth-note subdivision before tackling the melody parts. This foundation keeps everything grounded when multiple carols cycle through.
- Balance the arranged harmony so the familiar melody remains visible to the ensemble. These are recognizable tunes, and players will connect more deeply when they can hear what they know within the new context.
- Let the swing articulation breathe naturally rather than over-emphasizing it. Light, forward phrasing works better than aggressive interpretation at this level.
- Record a sectional rehearsal or quick run-through; playing it back often reveals balance issues and gives students perspective on the overall sound they're creating.
How to use it
Pair this with a more traditional carol arrangement to frame your holiday set; the contrast highlights what makes Vinson's swing version special. It also works as a standalone closer for a winter concert when you want to send the audience out smiling without overshadowing more serious repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Swing articulation and phrasing
- Harmonic voice leading within jazz voicings
- Balancing melody against rhythmic accompaniment
- Flexibility with instrumentation and doubling decisions
- Sight-reading of syncopated rhythmic figures