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Christmas - Seasonal

"​I am a number one fan of Bryan Kidd's music.  It has been my pleasure to perform his music for decades. 
He never fails to touch the hearts and musical souls of both performers and audience members
​with his magical composer / arranger gifts!"
     - Anthony Maiello
          Professor of Music, George Mason University
          Founder and Conductor Emeritus, The American Festival Pops Orchestra 
​Away in a Manger: A Trilogy
​STRING ORCHESTRA
​EASY
One of the most popular of the Christmas carols and one of the most unusual in that the words share three distinct melodies.  All three are combined in this lyrical and flowing trilogy rendition for young string players. ​
  • Order from MyScore at J.W. Pepper 
Available either as hard-copy letter-size (8 1/2 x 11) score and parts, or downloadable EPrint ​
Away in a Manger Video Score
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Christmas in New Orleans
BIG BAND and Vocal Soloist (Louis Armstrong) and Dixieland Combo*
​ADVANCED / 
PROFESSIONAL 
Joe Van Winkle and Richard (Dick) Sherman; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd
​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus​
 A Crescent City Christmas... with Louis Armstrong singing about "a Dixieland Santa Claus leading the band to a good old Creole beat."
  • * Dixieland combo within the band (clarinet, trumpet and trombone)
  • Louis Armstrong key B-flat; D 4 to F 5
  • Brass high note: Trumpet D 6 (with an optional F 6); Trombone A 4
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct​

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The Christmas Song
FULL ORCHESTRA and Vocal Jazz Ensemble or Vocal Soloist 
​MEDIUM ADVANCED / 
PROFESSIONAL 
Mel Torme and Robert Wells; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd
​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus​
     Another perennial favorite with a touch of Nat "King" Cole's 1946 recording. This version was written for George Mason University's vocal jazz ensemble, directed by Dr. Darden Purcell. It can also be performed as a vocal solo. 
  • THE CHRISTMAS SONG - AUDIO PREVIEW
  • Key: C with a modulation to D-flat major
  • Solo for guitar or piano
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct​
  • Order Vocal Jazz Ensemble Parts from Sheet Music Direct

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Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
FULL ORCHESTRA and Vocal Soloist
​MEDIUM ADVANCED / 
PROFESSIONAL 
Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd
​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus​
      A beautifully orchestrated setting of this poignant and enduring Christmas tune... from the famous 1944 M.G.M. movie starring Judy Garland, Meet Me in St. Louis.  It also features your flugelhorn soloist soloing and in dialogue with the vocal. 
  • ​HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS - AUDIO PREVIEW
  • Flugelhorn solo
  • Vocal key is F major
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct​

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It Happened in Sun Valley
FULL ORCHESTRA and Vocal Soloist or Vocal Jazz Ensemble (SSATB)
​ADVANCED / 
PROFESSIONAL 
Harry Warren and Mack Gordon; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd
​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus​
      Another of those "not originally-intended-for-Christmas" tunes... from the 1941 20th Century Fox movie, Sun Valley Serenade featuring Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. It's a falling-in-love romp in the snow with a Samba twist! ​
  • Solo vocal is in Mel Torme's key (G - C major; D3 to E4)
  • NOTE: a Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct
  • Order Vocal Jazz Ensemble parts

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It Happened in Sun Valley - REHEARSAL TRACK
For this demo, piano substitutes
​for vocal
I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
BIG BAND, STRINGS and HARP with either Vocal Soloist or Vocal Jazz Ensemble (SSATB)
​PROFESSIONAL / ADVANCED
Irving Berlin; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd

​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus​ 
     Warmly swinging with vocal (or optional vocal jazz ensemble), big band, strings and harp! This arrangement of Irving Berlin’s “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” has its roots in Skip Martin’s famous arrangement, a 1949 million-record seller and Billboard Top 10 song for Les Brown and His Band of Renown. While not a Christmas song, it has become an enduring part of the holiday repertoire. A partial list of artists who have covered it include Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Rod Stewart, Jo Stafford and Idina Menzel.​​​​
  • Solo vocal range: F 3 to B-flat 4 (with optional D 5)
  • Brass high note: E-flat 6, Trombone B-flat 4
  • Performable without strings and harp
  • This set includes a full score, solo vocal lead sheet and complete set of instrumental parts
  • Vocal jazz ensemble parts (SSATB) are sold separately
  • NOTE: a Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from SheetMusicDirect ​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) SheetMusicDirect
  • Order Vocal Jazz Ensemble Parts from Sheet Music Direct
Jingle Bell Boogie
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
​MEDIUM EASY

An 8-to-the-bar, bluesy romp in a very hip one-horse, top-down, kickin' big band shout-chorus sleigh.  Solo for tenor sax (written out and changes). A fun chart!
  • Trumpet written range F5 (top-line F)
  • ​​Order from J.W. PEPPER or your dealer
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Jingle Bell Boogie
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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
FULL ORCHESTRA
​
​MEDIUM ADVANCED / PROFESSIONAL
George Wyle and Edward Pola; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd

​​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus
      A dazzling and most wonderful Holiday Season opener for full orchestra in Viennese-styled three-quarter time. It was first introduced in 1963 by singer Andy Williams as the opening song for his second Christmas TV special. It was composed by the show’s vocal director, George Wyle, along with Edward Pola. Apropos to Williams’ show, the song describes joyous family and friends’ seasonal activities that include “scary ghost stories” (a Victorian Christmas tradition – think 'Dickens').   
​     Among the artists who have covered the song are Pentatonix, Johnny Mathis, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant, Pattie LaBelle, and Harry Connick, Jr.
  • NOTE: a Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from SheetMusicDirect​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) SheetMusicDirect

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Video Score
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Out of the East
CONCERT BAND or FULL ORCHESTRA Vocal Soloist (Bass-Baritone)
​ADVANCED / PROFESSIONAL
Harry Noble; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd
As performed by The United States Navy Band 
​
     "Out of the East" – Harry Noble's elegant setting recounting the Magi’s westward journey to worship the Christ Child. Edited and updated from Bryan Kidd’s arrangement for The United States Navy Band’s performance featuring guest vocalist, Tony Sandler. An obscure Christmas song... perhaps. But it will be a new Seasonal favorite for your audiences.
  • ​Vocal range (Bass-Baritone): A 2 to B-flat 3
  • NOTE: a Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)

Band Video Score
Orchestra Video Score
Out of the East - Concert Band version: 
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct ​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct​
Out of the East - Full Orchestra Version:
  • ​Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct ​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct
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Please Come Home for Christmas
​
BIG BAND, STRINGS, Vocal Soloist and solo guitar
​
MEDIUM ADVANCE / PROFESSIONAL
Charles Brown and Gene Redd; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd

​​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus
​ A change-of-pace blues-based Billboard Hot 100 chart topper from the 1960s. Solo space for hot guitar... or tenor sax... or piano... fun stuff!
  • Vocal - C major, A3 to A 4
  • Brass high note: Trumpet D 6; Trombone G 4
  • NOTE: a Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct ​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct

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Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
​
​
Big Band, optional strings and 
Vocal Jazz Ensemble (SATB) or Vocal Soloist
​PROFESSIONAL
J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd

​​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus
​Featuring your Vocal Jazz Ensemble (SATB) swinging like Basie and singing in the close harmony style made popular by groups like Manhattan Transfer, The Four Freshmen, and Jo Stafford and the Pied Pipers. Written in 1943, it's an enduring seasonal favorite that spans generations of great performers... from Bing to Bublé.
  • Brass high note: Trumpet D 6 (with an optional F 6); Trombone A 4​​
  • NOTE: a Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct ​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct

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The Ultimate Christmas Sing-Along   
​arranged by Jerry Brubaker and Bryan Kidd 
Concert Band
MEDIUM EASY 

​Don't miss this opportunity to involve your audience and / or choir members in singing four of the most popular holiday carols ever! Includes: Jingle Bells; Deck the Halls; Silent Night and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  It's a natural choice for developing bands.  You're sure to bring down the house with this one!​ 
  • ​THE ULTIMATE CHSRISTMAS SING-ALONG - AUDIO
  • ​​Alfred Music Co. - Order from J.W. PEPPER or your dealer

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We Need a Little Christmas
Full Orchestra with Chorus (SSATB) 
​PROFESSIONAL 
Jerry Herman; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd  
​
​​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus​
     With a touch of John Philip Sousa, a spiritedly bright opener for your Christmas Season concert. Jerry Herman’s “We Need a Little Christmas” was introduced by Angela Lansbury and Beatrice Arthur in the 1966 Tony Award-winning Broadway production, Mame. A subsequent cover later that year by Percy Faith and His Orchestra and Chorus further established it as a seasonal favorite – other notable artists include the Muppets, Johnny Mathis, Idina Menzel and Pentatonix.​
  • Brass high note: Trumpet D6 (with an optional F6); Trombone A4​​
  • NOTE: a Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct ​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct 
  • Order Choral Parts (with rehearsal piano) (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct

We Need a Little Christmas Video Score
​We Wish You a Merry Christmas 
...Basie style!  
 
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
​MEDIUM ADVANCED

Rich bucket mute ensemble-harmony and a roaring shout section decorate this warm lilting Basie-styled ballad of the classic English carol.  Seasonal solos for piano (written), tenor sax (changes only) and string bass (brief written tag ending).
  • Trumpet written range D6 (2nd ledger line D)
  • Order from MyScore at J.W. Pepper ​
Available either as a hard copy with concert-size parts (9 x 12) and tabloid-size, coil-bound score (11x17), or downloadable EPrint​​
We Wish You a Merry Christmas Video Score
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What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
FULL ORCHESTRA and Vocal Soloist (G3 to A-flat 4) 
​ADVANCED / 
PROFESSIONAL
​Frank Loesser; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd 

​​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus​
A beautifully orchestrated and dreamy arrangement. Although Frank Loesser wrote this as an anytime-of-the-year question, most often it’s heard during the Christmas Season. A veritable who’s who have covered it since first being introduced in 1947 by Margaret Whiting. A partial list includes Ella Fitzgerald, Ramsey Lewis, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, Idina Menzel, Seth MacFarlane, Barbra Streisand, Andy Williams, Lee Ann Womack, Lena Horne and The Carpenters.​
  • Brass high note: Trumpet F 5; French Horn, F-sharp 5; Trombone E 4
  • Piano, chord changes only​
  • NOTE: a Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)
  • ​Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct ​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? Video Score
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White Christmas
FULL ORCHESTRA and Vocal Soloist with optional audience sing-along
​MEDIUM ADVANCED / 
PROFESSIONAL
​Irving Berlin; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd 

​​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus​
A song that, of course, everyone knows... so... let's all sing it! Featuring your vocal soloist leading the audience in a holiday-warm, Yuletide sing-along. The opening verse is for solo vocal and piano (or guitar), followed by one-time through the chorus with the full orchestra and audience. 
  • Vocal range: G to A-flat major
  • ​Begins with the verse (optional) by vocal and piano (with chord changes)
  • Brass high note: Trumpet D 6 (with an optional F 6); Trombone A 4 ​
  • NOTE: a Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct ​
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct

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White Christmas REHEARSAL TRACK
White Christmas rehearsal track without the verse
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You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch 
​​FULL ORCHESTRA  and Bass-Baritone Soloist
​​
ADVANCED / PROFESSIONAL
Theodor "Dr. Seuss” Geisel, Albert Hague; jazz ensemble arrangement by
​Scott Silbert; ​
adapted for full orchestra by Bryan Kidd

​
​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus
The worlds of Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel’s ‘Grinch’ and Duke Ellington’s “Such Sweet Thunder” collide in this brilliant arrangement by retired United States Navy Band Chief Arranger, Scott Silbert. It was adapted for full orchestra from Scott's jazz ensemble arrangement by his Navy Band predecessor, Bryan Kidd.
  • NOTE: this is an exceptionally fun, rewarding, but stylistically (“Ellington-ish”) demanding piece for professional-level full orchestra and Bass-Baritone soloist; a jazz rhythm section and trumpet soloist are essential.
  • Brass high note: Trumpet E6, Trombone 1 B-flat 4, Trombone 2 B4​
  • A Letter-size (8.5x11) score is included with the complete set; a more easily read Tabloid-size (11x17) score is available separately (RECOMMENDED)
  • Order ​Parts and Score (Letter-size) from Sheet Music Direct 
  • Order Full Score Only (Tabloid-size 11x17) Sheet Music Direct

Performance by The United States Navy Band jazz ensemble, The Commodores
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