Season of Music
A significant part of the Christmas season is music.
At churches, in schools, at parties and in homes, people sing and play a variety of holiday music.
The Butler Eagle asked several school band directors to highlight their favorite Christmas music.
Here is what they said.
Mark Rodgers
Director of bands, Moniteau High SchoolI have a great appreciation for classics in the holiday music genre.Artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole have really established the class and atmosphere of traditional, American Christmas music. As an educator I believe it is important to acknowledge the impact these artists have had on our music culture.I also enjoy outstanding musicians who take traditional holiday music and create new, exciting arrangements. Harry Connick, Jr. has released some wonderful holiday music, as has the band Chicago, who just recently released their third Christmas album.Pittsburgh musician B.E. Taylor also is a great addition to anyone's holiday music collection.
<i>Butler Golden Tornado Marching Band director, Butler High School</I>My all-time favorite holiday song is Nat King Cole's “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire.”It is a classic and brings back great memories of Christmas.I also enjoy listening to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas album entitled “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.”Their instrumentation and unique arrangements are extremely creative and full of energy.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
<i>Band director, Seneca Valley High School</i>My favorite Christmas music is definitely the Stan Kenton Christmas Album. As a fan of both big band music and Christmas music, it is the ultimate blend for me.Growing up, my dad (the former band director here) used to play that album throughout the entire month of December. The energy of that Kenton Big Band... the brass... the arrangements... all of it I love. Even today, the day after Thanksgiving,that CD gets moved into my car. Just unbelievable stuff.Thanks Dad for teaching me the love of great music. Merry Christmas Butler County.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
<i>Director of bands, Freeport Junior/Senior High Schools</i>My favorite holiday song is “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).” The score is my favorite. It gives you a feeling of a “musical hug.” My favorite band song is Leroy Anderson's “Sleigh Ride.” It really gets you in the Christmas spirit.
