A Showstoppin’ Christmas

The seventh piece in the concert is entitled A Showstoppin’ Christmas. It is a medley of four Christmas songs (though one of them isn’t actually a Christmas song) written in 2005 by Chris Sharp (see below).

From the arranger: “A Showstoppin’ Christmas is intended as an attention-getting opener or spectacular finale for holiday concerts. It is written in a high-energy, Broadway/Las Vegas style designed to stir audiences. There are jazz harmonies throughout and a swing style is used sporadically. Woodwinds and brass trade responsibilities, creating an amalgam of textures that are enhanced by generous percussion contributions.”

After a rousing introduction evoking bells ringing, the first song in the medley, “Jingle Bells”, is presented in the classic “Broadway 2 step style”. Though many of us associate it with Christmas, the song was originally written as a postlude to a Thanksgiving church service. The song makes no mention of any topic associated with Christmas.

A brass choir then introduces a march-like rendition of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” before the upper woodwinds join in an energetic obbligato.

Abruptly, the upper woodwinds introduce “Angels We Have Heard on High”, which then alternates with a swinging jazz interjections from the brass. A short sax section feature presents the first two phrases of “Deck the Hall” before the style changes to a “Funk” feel. The arrangement then floridly presents the “Gloria” part of “Angels…”

“Jingle Bells” returns, in full swing, before the arrangement slows to a burlesque-style, “leg-kickin’” conclusion.

Arranger Chris Sharp is a professional musician, composer/arranger and educator. With advanced degrees from both the University of Florida and the University of Miami, he holds a Ph.D. in Composition with a concentration in conducting and wind band literature.

Dr. Sharp began his career as a full-time musician, bandleader and music arranger/orchestrator for the Walt Disney World Company. While at Disney, Dr. Sharp led and performed in atmosphere entertainment groups and also worked in show development and administration. He has written over 400 musical arrangements for Walt Disney Creative Services for groups ranging from small combos to full symphony orchestras. He has written for countless recording sessions producing music for convention shows, character shows, parade tracks, target-market concerts, fireworks shows and national television broadcasts. His music is heard in the Disney parks worldwide.

As a commercial arranger/orchestrator, Dr. Sharp has also written for several other high-profile clients including SeaWorld, Universal Studios, the Boston Pops, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Symphony Pops Music, Inc., the Dallas Brass and several service bands including the famed USAF Airmen of Note.

For the past several years Dr. Sharp has worked as a music educator. He has taught music at every level of education from 4th grade up through college level. He has served as Director of Bands at several colleges and is in high demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator. Currently, he is serving as Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia.

Since 2002, Dr. Sharp has been writing concert band, jazz band, marching band, string orchestra and chamber music for the scholastic market. He currently has over 200 published works available through The FJH Music Company, Inc, Alfred Publications, Jalen/Matrix Publishing and several others. He has over 100 pieces listed in the catalog of J.W. Pepper, the world’s largest distributor of printed music. His music has been widely performed, including annual appearances at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago every year since 2002.

The music for A Show-stoppin’ Christmas was provided for the band by Brian Murray.