Deck the Halls (VJCP536-FBB)
Traditional Welsh Carol
arr. by David Yackley
$45.00 (USD) [New Releases are currently $5.00 off!]
 
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VJCP536-FBB – Flexible Instrumentation Jazz Ensemble Chart, which has been written to sound complete with as few as 11 pieces or as many as a full (18-piece) big band. The instrumentation is as follows:
 
Alto Sax I, Alto Sax II, Tenor Sax I, Tenor Sax II (opt.), Baritone Sax (opt.)
Trumpet I, Trumpet II, Trumpet III, Trumpet IV (opt.)
Trombone I, Trombone II, Trombone III (opt.), Bass Trombone (IV) (opt.)
Guitar (opt.), Piano, Bass, Drums, Vibraphone (opt.)
 
Description: Deck the Halls puts a modern spin on the familiar 16th century Welsh Christmas carol. Arranger David Yackley’s medium tempo Latin setting offers a fresh reharmonization in a chart that is well within reach of most developing jazz bands. 
 
The arrangement begins with an extended introduction, crafted atop an engaging, energized ostinato from the piano and bass. A melody enters, featuring a handful of players (alto sax, muted trumpet, and optional guitar/vibraphone), which grows organically into a statement by the entire band. The initial appearance of the familiar melody alternates between a sax soli and the full ensemble. Later, a montuno section affords the alto saxophonist (and later, any other performer), an opportunity to improvise, primarily over two chord changes. After a syncopated chorale in the winds (alternating with piano and bass interjections), the carol melody returns, followed by a more densely orchestrated outro passage, bringing the chart to an emphatic, satisfying conclusion.
 
A fun chart to program and play, Deck the Halls will make an inspired addition to any holiday concert.
 
This big band arrangement is of intermediate difficulty.
 
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Please note: The VJC will never pursue payment of synchroni­zation rights from middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, all-state ensembles, church groups, or independent edu­cational programs for young people related to the posting of recorded performan­ces of this work on YouTube or other, similar sites (including social media platforms). While sharing the .pdf files is not permitted, sharing your musical performance online is.
 
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