Shiny Stocking Stuffers

Description

This clever medley from arranger Larry Clark mixes the magic of the holiday season with the swing and swagger of Count Basie. Guaranteed to add some special shiny sparkle to your holiday Jazz program!

Program Notes

Count Basie and his band were innovators in the Jazz idiom, to the point where people refer to a certain style as being a “Basie style.” Thus the arrangement of classic Christmas carols is a nod to the Basie style as the title is a play on one of Basie’s most famous tunes.

Although this arrangement is intended for use at a holiday concert, it can still be used educationally to introduce the “Basie style” to young Jazz musicians. Having them listen to recordings of Count Basie’s band will help them to internalize the style from the outset. I firmly believe that even the young budding Jazz ensembles can learn to play with good style. The technical demands of this holiday arrangement are limited, but the style and musical demands should never be limited!

It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program.