This Christmas: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

John Berry's arrangement refuses to let one section sit idle while another plays the tune. The shared melody gives your ensemble ownership of the song rather than passive accompaniment roles, and the alto sax solo provides a natural showcase moment without requiring a specialist soloist. It's genuinely fun to rehearse and sounds polished after minimal run-throughs, which matters when you're juggling multiple holiday programs.

Warm, funky, and genuinely joyful without a hint of saccharine. The arrangement pulses with energy and personality, moving between sections with enough variety to hold attention while staying rooted in that irresistible groove that made the original so enduring. You get the feeling everyone in the room is smiling while playing it.

Groups at the Grade 3 level who want a holiday piece that doesn't sound like a holiday piece. It works equally well for jazz ensembles looking for accessible, groovy repertoire with enough melodic interest to stay memorable, and for directors seeking a break from traditional seasonal arrangements.

• Lock in the funk groove during the first read-through by having drums set the pocket clearly. Once the rhythm section sits comfortably, everyone else slots into the pocket automatically.
• Balance the alto sax solo by keeping the ensemble accompaniment light and laid back rather than driving hard underneath. The contrast between solo and section lets both breathe.
• Encourage the melodic sections to sing the line with swagger. This isn't precious or delicate music; it wants attitude and confidence.
• Use the rock/funk feel as your interpretive north star. Even the softer moments should groove rather than float.

This sits beautifully between a traditional carol and a contemporary jazz selection on a winter concert, signaling that your group can swing as easily as they can play a standard. Consider opening a holiday set with more classical material, then shifting into this arrangement to show range and versatility. It also pairs well with other pop or R&B covers at the same difficulty level.

• Reading and executing funk/rock rhythmic figures with precision
• Playing with consistent groove and pocket in an ensemble setting
• Trading melody across different instrumental families while maintaining coherent phrasing
• Supporting a featured soloist with appropriate textural accompaniment
• Interpreting swing and straight eighth-note feels contextually