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Carol of the Shepherds is based on the hymn tune 'Quem Pastores Laudavere' which dates back to the 14th century and is widely known throughout the Christian world. Although the melody has been set to a number of different texts in different countries it was originally a carol celebrating the Christmas story, in particular the visit of the Angel Gabriel to the shepherds. Duration: 2:50

An exciting rhythmic selection including: Hark the Herald Angels Sing; The Holly and the Ivy; O Tannenbaum.

Duration 2:30

Arranged for Tenor Horn & Brass Band (Rocking Carol)

Christmas as celebrated in England is a relatively new tradition dating from the time of Queen Victoria. Her husband Prince Albert was from Germany and he brought many German Christmas traditions with him, including the Christmas tree and Christmas cards, and even carols such as Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. Philip Sparke has however used a varied selection of English melodies to arrange into his ‘Festival of Carols’. The choir parts are separately available (order no. AMP 225-050). Duration 9:35

Big Band Style. Duration: 3:00 Grade: Medium

Duration: 3:00 Grade: Medium

Christina Rossetti wrote the words to this famous Christmas carol in 1872 in response to a request from the magazine Scribner's Monthly for a Christmas poem. They were set to music by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) for inclusion in the first edition (1906) of The English Hymnal, edited by his life-long friend, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Philip Sparke has carefully arranged the beautiful melody into this delightful version for brass band. A must for any Christmas concert. Grade: Easy Duration: 3:45

Marchcard size

Marchcard size

Philip Sparke has taken this traditional melody and produced an attractive arrangement for concert band. The piece is ideal for use in Christmas concerts and is guaranteed to get everyone’s toes tapping – players and audience alike. Grade: Easy-Medium Duration: 4:28

Grade: Easy. Includes: Jingle Bells; Away in a Manger; We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Parts and Score available separately

Parts and Score available separately

Parts and Score available separately

Parts and Score available separately

The Tchaikovsky Classic a la big band

Sparkling and majestic brass playing introduce this wonderful arrangement of the classic carol! Each of the four verses are treated differently, creating beautiful textures and a multi-faceted setting of the familiar tune. This fresh new arrangement for developing bands is a great choice for both church and school! Grade: Medium Duration: 4:30

Euphonium Solo

Marchcard size

E flat Bass Solo. Suitable for all 4th Section bands and above.

B flat Bass Solo.

Flugel Horn Solo

The Ukrainian Bell Carol is part of a large choral work entitled Shchedryk by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych (1877-1921). The tune is an adaptation of an old 'shchedrivka', a song traditionally sung on Ukrainian New Year's Eve (January 13th) which hopes for good fortune in the year to come. The tune has since been the inspiration for at least four different Christmas carols, of which Carol of the Bells is the most famous. Philip Sparke has sourced the original Ukrainian melody to create this stirring arrangement. Duration 3:00

The Advent hymn we all know today as O Come, O Come, Immanuel was arranged in its modern form by Thomas Helmore and published in Hymnal Noted in 1856. Both the words and melody, however, predate this version by centuries. The words are based on a 9th century antiphon and the tune, Veni Immanuel, is taken from a 15th century processional of French Franciscan nuns, part of the setting for the funeral hymn Liberae. This arrangement aims to expand on the power and mystery of the original tune and will be most effective if the solo cornet at the start and end of the piece can be placed away from the band, maybe at the back of the auditorium. Duration 5:30

from Polar Express. Duration: 3:00 Grade: Medium

Grade: medium/easy Duration: 2:00

‘Whence is that Goodly Fragrance Flowing?’ (subtitled: Quelle est cette odeur agréable?) is the first line of an old French Christmas song that originated in the 17th century. In 1728 John Gay used this joyous and markedly festive melody that honours Jesus Christ and His miraculous birth in his Beggar’s Opera. Philip Sparke has given this melody a new lease of life with his charming and imaginative arrangement for the Christmas season. Duration: 3:45.