This holiday classic arrangement has thrilled both live and television audiences for decades. Now this superb arrangement for band can be part of your library. From the iconic "Candlelight Processional," this Mike Davis arrangement of Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy is appropriate for holiday concerts and church Christmas programs. This beautiful setting is a perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebration. (3:50)
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Mike Davis's orchestration captures the warmth and grandeur that made this piece a television staple, translating it brilliantly for concert band without sacrificing its emotional core. The integration of choir elevates what could be a standard holiday offering into a genuine centerpiece moment. At Grade 4, it remains accessible to most ensembles while delivering the professional polish audiences expect from a holiday program anchor.
What to expect
Luminous and triumphant. The arrangement radiates the reverent joy implied in the title, moving from tender passages that allow the text to shine through to full orchestral swells that create genuine moments of lift. There's a timeless quality here, rooted in tradition but executed with contemporary ensemble clarity.
Who it's for
Band directors programming holiday concerts who want a substantial piece that features both ensemble and choir. This works equally well in school concert settings and church Christmas programs, serving conductors who need material that challenges the band while honoring the choir's presence in a unified arrangement.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the choir and band throughout; the choir should sing with clear projection without the band drowning out the text or melody in climactic sections.
Shape the arrangement's arc by attending to dynamic contrasts; this piece thrives on building momentum through the middle sections rather than maintaining one energy level.
Establish a steady tempo early in rehearsal and lock it between conductor, band, and choir; the 3:50 runtime depends on consistent pacing without rushing.
How to use it
Feature this as a closing piece or the emotional peak of your holiday concert. The combination of band and choir makes it a natural finale that gives both ensembles a shared musical statement. It also serves well as the anchor of a school or church program devoted to seasonal music.
Skills your students will build
Balancing independent ensemble parts within a unified sound
Sustaining consistent intonation across extended dynamic climaxes
Responding to clear phrase architecture and conducting cues in a longer work
Collaborative listening between band and choir sections
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