This Christmas (Key: Ab) (arr. Mark Taylor): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mark Taylor's arrangement captures the original's infectious bounce while giving your jazz ensemble real material to sink their teeth into. The memorable horn figures are instantly recognizable, yet the scoring sits comfortably at grade 3-4, making it accessible without sacrificing sophistication. It's the rare holiday chart that works equally well for student musicians and audiences looking for something fresher than the standard fare.

Warm, funky, and genuinely festive without leaning into saccharine sentimentality. The arrangement strikes a balance between nostalgia for the original recording and a modern jazz sensibility that keeps things fresh and danceable. From the opening horn line through the final hit, this reads like a celebration among friends rather than a formal holiday obligation.

Jazz ensembles performing at grade 3-4 who need a certified crowd pleaser for winter concerts and holiday programs. Directors looking for a vocal feature that doesn't require a classical soprano or Broadway belt will find real value here. This works equally well for groups that lean toward blues-inflected swing and those exploring contemporary jazz traditions.

• Lock the swing feel early in rehearsals. The funky rhythmic character depends on your rhythm section committing to relaxed, behind-the-beat phrasing even as the tune bounces forward.
• Balance the vocal soloist carefully against the horns. The arrangement features those riffs front and center, so your singer needs projection without overwhelming the band's contribution.
• Keep the tempo conversational rather than rushed. This tune breathes best when it feels like a conversation at a party, not a race to the finish line.
• Bring out the bass line. That funky foundation is what makes this arrangement distinctive, and too many groups bury it under the horns.

Use this as your second-half opener on a holiday concert, where it creates an energetic pivot away from more traditional material. It pairs beautifully on the same program with both standard jazz repertoire and contemporary pop arrangements, offering variety without jarring contrast. For groups attending holiday festivals or community performances, this gives you an accessible feature that showcases both your vocal soloist and ensemble musicianship.

• Swing eighth-note feel and articulation in a contemporary context
• Reading and executing horn section riffs with precision and flexibility
• Supporting a featured soloist with cohesive accompaniment
• Balancing solo and ensemble roles in a vocal jazz setting
• Groove-based ensemble synchronization and listening