Away in a Manger (VJCP523-BB)
Traditional Christmas Carol
arr. by Chas Baker
$45.00 (USD)
 
This product is available for download (in .pdf format) immediately after purchase. Please note that once payment for any VJC Publication download is received and the transaction completed, no refund or cancellation is possible.
 
VJCP523-BB – Jazz Ensemble Chart, written for the full, traditional big band line-up (17-18 performers). The instrumentation is as follows:
 
Alto Sax I, Alto Sax II, Tenor Sax I, Tenor Sax II, Baritone Sax
Trumpet I, Trumpet II, Trumpet III, Trumpet IV
Trombone I, Trombone II, Trombone III, Bass Trombone (IV)
Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Vibraphone (opt.)
 
NOTE: This chart also includes the following additional rhythm section parts, placed at the end of the .pdf file:
1) Guitar (alternate Solo part),
2) Vibraphone (alternate Solo part), and
3) Piano (alternate non-solo part).
Though not shown in the score, these alternate parts allow for Guitar or Vibraphone to replace the Piano as featured soloist on this arrangement.
 
Description: Chas Baker’s arrangement of Away in a Manger is a deep, artful celebration of the season. With great ensemble colors, effective key changes, cool, tasteful reharmonizations, subtle formal details, and so much more, this is a great piece of music that will undoubtedly become part of many holiday concert programs for years to come. 
 
As originally recorded on Big Band Christmas! by the Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra, the chart features Piano as the primary soloist, with a brief solo in the Trumpet II book (on Flugelhorn) thrown in for good measure. However, in this VJC Publications edition, there are alternate parts that will allow Guitar or (opt.) Vibraphone to serve as the primary soloist, with an alternate section (i.e., “non-soloist”) part for Piano, as well. These alternate parts provide ensemble directors with greater flexibility in programming, either giving this extended feature to their strongest soloist or shining a spotlight on a rhythm section performer who doesn’t have solo space elsewhere on a concert set. 
 
Long a favorite holiday chart of Valley Jazz Cooperative Founder Russell Schmidt, we are genuinely privileged to share (and promote) Chas Baker’s spectacular arrangement of Away in a Manger through VJC Publications.
 
This big band arrangement is of intermediate difficulty.
 
While an excerpted audio sample is provided here at the VJC Store, complete recordings of many VJC Publications (including this one) can be found on the VJC YouTube page.
 
Please note: The VJC will never pursue payment of synchroni­zation rights from middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, all-state ensembles, church groups, or independent edu­cational programs for young people related to the posting of recorded performan­ces of this work on YouTube or other, similar sites (including social media platforms). While sharing the .pdf files is not permitted, sharing your musical performance online is.
 
All proceeds from sales of VJC Publications go directly to fund the educational programs of the Valley Jazz Cooperative.