December Joy

Arranged by Douglas E. Wagner, three well-known secular carol tunes are showcased in this big and brassy, bright and flashy seasonal extravaganza, especially suited as a concert opener. Beginning with a cascade of chimes, soaring woodwind runs, and bold brass lines, "Deck the Hall" and "Here We Come A-Caroling" are presented with dynamic flair, interspersed with brief fanfare-like episodes. The mood transitions to a jaunting sleigh ride across the winter landscape, partnering the second time through with "Jingle Bells," as the spirited celebration closes with a short coda, drawn from musical materials heard in the opening measures of the work. (2:55) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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December Sky - Erik Morales

This beautiful yet simple ballad evokes the images of a clear night sky and its humbling grandeur. While all individual parts are quite playable, the work uses interesting harmonies and careful orchestration to make your group shine. A great way to develop musicality, and a gem that surely belongs on your next concert.

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Deck the Hall

Deck the Halls

Treat your band to a fresh new arrangement of a holiday classic. The light, rhythmic style of the opening contrasts nicely with the more legato middle section, and the woodblock and tambourine add wonderful color!

Deck the Halls (With Boughs of Holly): A Christmas Carol - Arthur Harris / arr. William H. Silvester

The works in the Arthur Harris Christmas Series were originally written for orchestra, with several offering the option to add chorus. These transcriptions for band, both by William Silvester or Arthur Harris himself, retain the quality of the original orchestrations, offering bands the optional opportunity to perform with chorus during the Christmas season. Choral scores for each work are available separately. Band series with chorus includes: Silent Night, Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Adeste Fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful), The First Nowell, O Tannenbaum, and Angels We Have Heard on High. Transcriptions for band alone includes: O Little Town of Bethlehem, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Joy to the World, Deck the Halls, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Deck the Yard!

This delightful medley by Timothy Loest captures the spirit of the season while paying homage to outdoor holiday decorations. Whether "Up on the Housetop" or watching a neighborhood "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," audiences will enjoy other gems including "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," "Deck the Halls," and "O Tannenbaum." also provides the opportunity to use holiday dcor in the performance venue or project photos of neighborhood homes! (2:10)

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Declaration and Dance - Larry Clark

Listen carefully to this work, look over the score, and you will find it difficult to believe that this 'real' music is built on just six notes commonly found in the first book of all band and instrument methods. The harmonic structure and the marvelous colors and timbres of the piece do not betray the ease of performance. Alert your state contest list chairpersons to this exciting composition! This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Declaration and Flourish (Movement III from the ) - Robert W. Smith

The final installment of Robert W. Smith's was inspired by both "Flourish for Wind Band" and "English Folk Song Suite." As the title implies, the work is bold and compelling. Consider programming the entire Suite which includes "Wassail" (24758) and "Greensleeves: A Fantasia for Band" (26749). (2:46)

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Declaration in Blue - Robert W. Smith

Here's an engaging selection that is built completely around the blues scale. Percussion support for the style adds a flavor of the real thing. A stupendous introduction to the blues for your band and great program literature as well. (2:19)

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Dedicatum - Timothy Loest

This exciting new overture begins with a bold unison statement presented under an upper woodwind ostinato. The unison statement continues to develop until it is presented in full harmony. Softer treatments of the melody along with lyrical passages full of suspensions all contribute to the overall quality of the piece. Excellent writing! (2:30)

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