By Joan Javits / By Phil Springer / By Tony Springer / Arranged by Michael Brown
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00191179
Digital Download
$65.00
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Description
Originally recorded by Eartha Kitt in the '50s, this tongue-in-cheek holiday favorite has also been recorded by a wide variety of artists including Madonna, Faith Evans and Taylor Swift. Michael Brown's clever arrangement for young bands is the perfect lighter touch for the holidays. Dur: 3:00
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Joan Javits co-wrote "Santa Baby" with Phil Springer and Tony Springer in 1953. The song became a holiday standard after Eartha Kitt's iconic recording introduced its playful irreverence to the season. Javits' songwriting work defined mid-century popular music, and his compositions have remained part of the American musical canon for generations.
Why we love this
Michael Brown's Grade 2 setting keeps the tune's cheeky charm intact without overcomplicating the parts. This arrangement lets young musicians find their groove with a melody everyone recognizes, building confidence through a song that's genuinely fun to play. The accessible voicing means your entire band can sound polished in a holiday concert without excessive rehearsal time.
What to expect
Playful and vintage, with a wink built into every phrase. The arrangement captures that mid-century sass that made the original recording legendary, delivering nostalgia wrapped in humor and accessibility.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 2 level looking for holiday material that entertains without demanding complex technique. Directors building a festive program appreciate this title because it appeals to audiences across age groups while keeping part difficulty manageable for developing musicians.
How to get the most out of it
Keep the rhythm section crisp and relaxed; this tune lives in its shuffle feel, so lock in that pocket early and let the melody float above it.
Balance the vocal line if you have a soloist against the supporting figures in the band. The arrangement benefits from clarity between the featured melodic voice and accompaniment.
Resist the urge to rush. The three-minute duration gives you space to phrase naturally and let the humor of the piece breathe without pushing tempo.
Pay attention to dynamic contrast between verses. Small shifts in volume and texture will keep the audience engaged through the repeat sections.
How to use it
Place this as a standalone holiday feature or pair it with other seasonal selections for a mid-concert tone shift. Its three-minute length works perfectly as a second-half opener, offering your audience a moment of lighthearted contrast before you move into more substantial repertoire.
Skills your students will build
Playing swing rhythms and shuffle grooves
Balancing melody and accompaniment within ensemble texture
Phrasing for character and musical humor
Managing accessible band scoring across multiple sections
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