The Christmas concert is one of the most important events in the year for a flute choir. If you’re looking for some inspiration, this mix of joyous, sublime and simply plain fun arrangements are all tried and trusted.
Mozart arranged Axtell: Alleluja from Exsultate Jubilate arranged for Flute Choir
There is something magnificently uplifting about this Mozart Alleluja, and although it can be played at any time of the year, the title of the motet (taken from ‘Rejoice, Be Glad’) makes it feel festive. All of Mozart’s melodic and harmonic genius has been captured here: the first flute carries most of the tune and everyone will need tonguing agility to maintain Mozart’s lightness of touch. This is clearly going to be more challenging for the alto and bass parts so it’s good to know it works with five C flutes too. This is absolutely two minutes of sparkling joy and will leave everyone feeling happy – a perfect Christmas Concert opener. Difficult Guide 5-7
Compilation arranged Robert Rainford: Christmas Collection for Flexible Flute Quartet or Ensemble
This is such a useful and flexible book to own. The choice of carols is great, the arrangements are simple and the instrumentation has plenty of options. You can play any number in any situation with players of all standards and are certain to please your audience who may well join in. Plus the music will never reach its sell-by date. Definitely a ‘go to’ purchase. Difficulty Guide: 3-6
Gustav Holst arranged Ann Cameron Pearce: In the Bleak Midwinter for Flute Choir
If you only buy one piece for your flute choir this Christmas, make it this one. Ann Cameron Pearce is the master arranger for multiple flutes, and her sublime setting of this beautiful melody by Gustav Holst is absolutely stunning. There won’t be a dry eye in the house. Difficulty Guide: 4-7
Styne and Cahn arranged James Christensen: Let It Snow for Four Flutes
This great arrangement of Let It Snow captures the essence of the Christmas spirit. Three bars of “windy” chromatic scales open and close the piece, and, in between these, the parts swing along in wonderful harmony. There is plenty of rhythmic unison to help with the ensemble and the lovely ‘gear-change’ hike in the key to four flats half way through keeps players on their toes. The music-box effect in the middle is also very effective and the whole piece just whisks you off to that magical Winter Wonderland. It’s such a crowd pleaser it would be crazy not to make use of it. Difficulty Guide: 5-7
Traditional English arranged Ann Cameron Pearce: We Wish You a Merry Christmas
This is a great arrangement! A splendid Hollywood-style introduction giving little hint of what’s to come is followed by a simple version of the big tune. Later there is a little solo for the first flute which leads to the stylish change of key from G to E flat major, some nifty high notes for the upper players and a majestic slower ending. The perfect Christmas concert encore. Difficulty Guide: 5-7
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