Cool Yule Jazz Band Collection | Selected by the Experts at Popplers Music
The holiday season is the perfect time for choirs and jazz ensembles to share the joy, swing, and sparkle of festive music! At Popplers Music, we’re excited to present our Cool Yule Jazz Band Collection, a specially curated selection of holiday jazz arrangements designed to bring warmth and excitement to your winter concert season.
This collection blends timeless favorites with creative new arrangements, each chosen for its musical quality, accessibility, and ability to inspire performers and audiences alike. From school concerts to community celebrations, these pieces encourage musicianship, teamwork, and pure holiday fun.
Explore these standout selections and find the perfect addition to your concert program!
1. Sleigh Ride
Composer: Leroy Anderson
Arranger: Michael Story
Voicing: JB
Performance Time: Approx. 2:29
Difficulty: Level 1 (Very Easy)
Leroy Anderson’s most beloved holiday classic is now available in a beginning-level arrangement that keeps all the joy and sparkle of the original! This version simplifies the rhythms and articulations without losing the charm of Anderson’s timeless melody. It’s the perfect way to introduce young musicians to a holiday favorite while ensuring an exciting, successful performance for your ensemble.
Highlights:
- Simplified rhythms and articulations for developing players
- Maintains the signature melody and festive character of the original
- Ideal for first-year or middle school ensembles
- A cheerful concert feature that brings instant holiday spirit
2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Composers: Sammy Cahn & Jule Styne
Arranger: Baylock, Alan
Voicing: JB
Performance Time: Approx. 4:19
Difficulty: Level 3 (Medium)
This exciting swinging holiday arrangement brings a touch of professional big band energy to your concert stage. Adapted from the chart originally written for the United States Air Force Airmen of Note, it delivers the sound and style of a true jazz ensemble classic.
Highlights:
- Features full sax section writing and solos for all five players
- Written-out solos included for accessible rehearsal and performance
- Lead trumpet range reaches written B above the staff
- Ideal for experienced ensembles looking to add sparkle to their holiday repertoire
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Composers: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Arranger: Baylock, Alan
Voicing: JB
Performance Time: Approx. 3:02
Difficulty: Level 3 (Medium)
This elegant slow swing arrangement of the holiday favorite captures the warmth and sophistication of the classic ballad in the style of “Li’l Darlin’.” Alan Baylock’s superb writing brings a relaxed, expressive feel to the ensemble, creating a perfect moment of calm and beauty in any holiday concert.
Highlights:
- Written in a smooth, “Li’l Darlin’”–style swing
- Features a written trumpet solo (no improvisation required)
- Accessible for developing jazz ensembles
- A warm and expressive addition to any holiday concert program
4. Feliz Navidad
Composer: José Feliciano
Arranger: Peter Blair
Voicing: JB
Performance Time: Approx. 3:04
Difficulty: Level 2 (Medium Easy)
This bossa nova–style arrangement of José Feliciano’s Feliz Navidad by Peter Blair brings a refreshing Latin groove to your holiday concert. Smooth, rhythmic, and full of festive flair, this chart is easy to rehearse and comes together beautifully in performance. Blair’s expert writing delivers a polished sound while keeping the music accessible for developing jazz ensembles.
Highlights:
- Written solo for 1st or 2nd Alto Saxophone
- Lead trumpet range to written G on top of the staff
- Easy to assemble and perfect for school or community jazz bands
- Available in MakeMusic Cloud for flexible rehearsal and performance
5. Jingle Bell Rock / Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Composer: Joe Beal and Jim Boothe
Arranger: Paul Cook
Voicing: JB
Difficulty: Level 1 (Easy)
Few holiday tunes capture the spirit of the season quite like Jingle Bells, and Paul Cook’s arrangement of “Jingle Bell Rock” delivers that festive energy in a fun, accessible way for first-year jazz ensembles. This chart is filled with smart scoring, flexible instrumentation, and easy-to-play brass ranges, making it the perfect choice for young musicians.
Highlights:
- Written solos for Alto and Tenor Saxophones
- Flexible instrumentation and modest brass ranges
- Minimal rehearsal time needed for performance
- A fun and festive choice that audiences will love
6. Jingle Bells
Composer: James Pierpoint
Arranger: Rick Stitzel
Voicing: JB
Difficulty: Level 3 (Medium)
Everyone knows Jingle Bells, but you’ve never heard it quite like this! Rick Stitzel’s swinging jazz arrangement turns the holiday classic into a lively, toe-tapping feature that keeps audiences engaged from the very first note. With a catchy groove, crisp ensemble writing, and that unmistakable swing feel, this chart brings new energy and excitement to any holiday performance.
Highlights:
- Fresh swing arrangement of the timeless holiday favorite
- Features tight ensemble writing and rhythmic drive
- Perfect for teaching swing style and phrasing
- Engaging and energetic choice for holiday concerts
- Guaranteed to keep every listener smiling and tapping along
7. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Arranger: Gordon Goodwin
Voicing: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Performance Time: Approx. 1:53
Difficulty: Grade: 5 (Advanced / Difficult)
This bold and rhythmically charged arrangement of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen brings a modern edge to the traditional carol. Driving grooves, syncopated rhythms, and dynamic brass writing give this classic a fresh sound that instantly energizes any holiday concert.
The chart’s contemporary swing feel allows ensembles to explore rhythmic precision and ensemble balance while keeping the familiar melody front and center. Perfect for advanced middle school, high school, or community jazz bands, it’s a powerful piece that captures the excitement of the season.
Highlights:
- A fresh, modern take on a traditional Christmas carol
- Features strong rhythmic drive and bold harmonic textures
- Excellent for teaching dynamics, blend, and groove
- Engaging for both players and audiences
- A dramatic addition to any holiday jazz concert
8. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
Composer: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Arranger: Mark Hayes
Voicing: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Performance Time: Approx. 0:04:15
Difficulty: Grade: 5 (Advanced / Difficult)
Voicing: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, SSA, TTB, Orchestra Accompaniment, MP3 Full Performance, MP3 Accompaniment Only
A timeless holiday favorite made famous by Nat King Cole, The Christmas Song remains one of the most cherished pieces of the season. Mark Hayes’s lush and expressive arrangement captures the warmth, nostalgia, and elegance that have made this tune an enduring classic.
Every voicing is beautifully crafted, giving your ensemble rich harmonies and smooth phrasing that truly bring out the spirit of the holidays. With its full orchestration and luxurious texture, this setting creates a magical moment that audiences will remember long after the concert ends.
Highlights:
- A beloved Christmas standard arranged with Mark Hayes’s signature sophistication
- Offers multiple voicing options for choirs and jazz ensembles
Rich orchestration perfect for advanced groups - Includes full performance and accompaniment MP3s for rehearsal and concert use
- An elegant and emotional centerpiece for any holiday program
9. Winter Wonderland
Composer: Felix Bernard
Arranger: Victor López
Voicing: JB
Performance Time: Approx. 2:43
Difficulty: 2 (Medium Easy)
Victor López brings new life to the classic Winter Wonderland with this Latin bossa nova–inspired arrangement featuring a smooth swing introduction. Perfect for young jazz ensembles, this chart combines accessibility with a fresh rhythmic feel that will delight both performers and audiences.
With a focus on ensemble precision and balance, this arrangement features no solo sections—just full, engaging ensemble writing throughout, including a strong unison tutti passage for winds. The optional parts for flute, vibes, and auxiliary percussion add extra color and flair, creating a polished and festive performance piece that’s fun to play and easy to prepare.
Highlights:
- Fresh Latin bossa nova interpretation of a holiday favorite
- Swing introduction creates stylistic variety and excitement
- No solos—features full ensemble writing and strong unison sections
- Optional flute, vibes, and auxiliary percussion parts included
- Accessible chart ideal for developing jazz bands
- Lead trumpet range to written G above the staff
10. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Composer: Johnny Marks
Arranger: Chris Sharp
Voicing: JB
Difficulty: 3 (Medium)
Chris Sharp delivers a lively and engaging take on Johnny Marks’s beloved holiday classic Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Blending both rock and swing styles, this chart keeps the energy high and the groove irresistible from start to finish.
With well-written rhythm section parts and comfortable brass ranges, this arrangement is both fun to rehearse and reliable in performance. It’s the kind of chart that fits seamlessly into any holiday program and can return to your repertoire year after year.
Highlights:
- Fresh and fun arrangement of the Johnny Marks holiday favorite
- Moves effortlessly between rock and swing styles
- Well-scored rhythm section parts for easy rehearsal and performance
- Brass ranges accessible for developing players
- Perfect for middle school, high school, or community jazz ensembles
- A crowd-pleasing holiday chart that never goes out of style
Bring the Cool Yule Energy to Your Concert Season
At Popplers Music, we believe the joy of the Yule season begins with great music. From festive jazz charts to heartwarming choral pieces, our extensive collection helps educators, directors, and performers create concerts that capture the spirit of the holidays. For over 100 years, we have proudly supported music programs across North Dakota, South Dakota, and beyond. We offer expert guidance, quick worldwide shipping, and one of the largest inventories of in-stock print and digital music available.
Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping you find the perfect selections for your holiday performances. Whether you are programming a Cool Yule jazz concert, a winter band performance, or a Christmas choral celebration, we are here to help. Each year, our team reviews new literature to save you time in planning. With our 20-day approval policy on select items, you can explore new titles with confidence.
✨ Ready to plan your holiday concert repertoire? Our team is always happy to help!
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