The Holly and the Ivy

Description

Jeff Jarvis has transformed this simple eight-measure carol into a full-blown jazz waltz for a big band. Jeff created a clever introduction and several transitional passages with a ton of cool chords to make the chart sound interesting and fresh from beginning to end. This will add some sparkle to your holiday concert!

Program Notes

“The Holly And The Ivy” is a tuneful 18th century Christmas carol arranged for big band by Jeff Jarvis. Whether your ensemble has some experience or is in the developmental stages, this medium difficulty chart is sure to be an audience pleaser at holiday concerts. Set in a swinging Jazz waltz style, the effectively syncopated melody is shared by all three horn sections and is supported by dense ensemble writing. All instruments have well-articulated parts, the rhythms and ranges are accessible, and Piano and Bass parts are notated with chord symbols provided. Ad lib or as is solo space is provided for Trumpet 2.

Rehearsal Suggestions

For optimum results, observe all articulations and dynamics markings so as to support, but not compete with the melodic motives. A well-articulated concept will make the chart sound its best. The bell tones in the introduction and elsewhere in the piece should be played with spirited accents. Soloists who choose not to play the written solo will find the chord changes easy to negotiate. The solo section consists of two repeating ii-V7 progressions. The first eight bar phrase can be played using notes from the concert D Dorian scale. The second eight measure section can be played using notes from the concert F Dorian scale. The Piano and Bass parts are completely notated with chords symbols provided for experienced players who wish to comp their own rhythms.