Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal Group

Description: Swing Waltz - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Ever since its introduction to the world in the 1951 film The Lemon Drop Kid, Silver Bells has been a holiday favorite. Dave Wolpe's arrangement for the Glenn Miller Orchestra's In the Christmas Mood album maintains the song's classic feel while also giving it a coating of the trademark Miller sound.

Beginning with a brass chorale over a pedal figure in the bass, the first half of the melody is carried by the woodwinds, who eventually engage in some traditional call and response figures with the brass at measure 21. The brass play a figure that leads into a key change at measure 41, then gently set up the vocal group with another pedal figure. As both soloists and as a group, the singers command the spotlight for the remainder of the performance, with ensemble accompaniment that is simple yet effective. Toward the end of the performance, the tempo trails off a good bit before the ensemble plays the final warm chord.

This publication was prepared from the set of parts used for the recording session - this is not a transcription.

Full Score
Vocal Group (SATTT)
Clarinet
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
4 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Guitar
Celeste/Piano
Acoustic Bass
Drum Set

Vocal Key: Bb
Trumpet 1: C6
Trombone 1: Bb4