O Canada - Calixa Lavallée

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O Christmas in Three

O Christmas in Three is a medley of three traditional 3/4 time carols: O Christmas Tree, Away in a Manger, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. In addition to the three main tunes, this adaptation also includes an interweaving of Silent Night and The First Noel with Away in the Manger. Young bands will gain experience in independent part playing and balance with the interplay of these familiar tunes.

O Christmas Three - Vince Gassi

As the title suggests, three popular carols are combined to create a cheerful holiday setting that is sure to brighten the mood of the season. Good King Wenceslas opens the piece on a very festive note, followed by a lyric yet energetic presentation of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. The piece closes with The First Noel for a musical and full-sounding finish that will leave a warm and satisfying feeling for all.

O Christmas Tree

The tradition of the Christmas tree in Western Europe dates back to a time long before any Christianization had taken place. During the severely cold winter nights, so it was believed, evil spirits tried to 'kill' nature. Needle-leaved trees were the only ones which kept their green colour throughout the year, and therefore became symbols of immortality. These 'living' trees, said to be the work of benign spirits, were brought into people's houses to ward off evil, life-threatening powers. In the 14th century people first started to decorate Christmas trees. It was a pagan custom, originated by the inhabitants of Alsace. This custom was taken over by the Church inthe course of the 15th and 16th century. At first the decoration consisted mainly of edibles, such as apples and wafers, but later small presents were added. Legend has it that the reformer Martin Luther was the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with candles. The flickering candle flames were meant to create the image of a starry sky in which Christ's apparition could be recognized. The German organ-player Ernst Anschtz from Leipzig was the first person to notate the song 'O Tannenbaum', the melody being a well-known folk song. Next to 'Stille Nacht' 'O Tannenbaum' is the most famous German Christmas song, now known throughout the world. In the United States of America the melody of 'O Tannenbaum' has even been used in four States (among which the State of Maryland) for their State song. In David Well's arrangement the song is first heard as many of us know it. After this introduction, however, it is transformed into a solid rock version, and the beat has been changed. In the second part the familiar three-four time is back, but here the rhythm is different from the original. After the richly ornamented rock beat the basic theme can be heard once again and the composition is concluded in a festive manner.

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O Come Emmanuel

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O Come O Come Emmanuel

O Come, All Ye Faithful - Traditional

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

We are honored to present the late Claude T. Smith's last commission for young band. The musical legacy of one of the most-loved band composers continues with this sensitive orchestration.

O Cool Is The Valley - Vincent Persichetti

O don fatale, o don crudel - Giuseppe Verdi