(8 Brass/SATB) This is an up jazz waltz, beginning with unison vocals in a contrapuntal fashion, ending with very lush vocals and rich harmonies. The middle of the chart features a 128-bar solo for woodwinds and a flugelhorn lead. This section is very difficult but rewarding and exciting--it could be the highlight of any jazz concert. All in all, this chart may be the most exciting one in the Christmas Collection. Certainly a closer of any concert. Woodwind doubles.

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HOWARD SHEAR received a Bachelor of Music in Education from Fredonia State University, New York, and a Master of Music, focusing on performance and composition, from the Eastman School of Music. He toured for several years as the lead trumpet player with the Woody Herman Orchestra. Since leaving Woody's band, he has been working as a studio trumpet player and composer/arranger in Los Angeles. He is currently a featured soloist with a recording and touring jazz octet called Octopus. Howard has performed with such names as Tony Bennett, George Benson, Stevie Wonder and Mel Torme. He was the composer/arranger for the Late Show Band starring Joan Rivers where he wrote hundreds of arrangements. He recently scored his first film.