David Stockton to Conduct Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival”

Dear WT Band friends,

I'm temporarily abandoning my "Last Chair 3rd Clarinet" position in the Abilene Community Band to conduct Leroy Anderson's A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL in our annual Christmas Concert at the Historic Paramount Theater located in downtown Abilene, Texas at 352 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601 on Tuesday evening December 10th at 7:30...and it's free.

It is so much fun to be on the podium once more. Thank you Maestro Joe Stephens and all members of ACB for this wonderful invitation.

Working on the score I was surprised to find a very different, stronger and to me more interesting piece than I played in high school and university. Below is a message I sent to ABC members so that we are on the same thoughts page.

(Concert program notes for our master of ceremonies, Abilene television KRBC news co-anchor David Bacon:)

Originally composed for orchestra, Leroy Anderson's A Christmas Festival was first performed on June 12th,1950 by the Boston Pops, Arthur Fiedler conducting. Anderson's band transcription has become a Christmas staple for bands across America.

This year The Abilene Community Band wants to delve deeper. A new look at the score finds a musical battle - a battle not between good and evil but between our two towering Christmas Traditions...Christian and Secular.

From the very first measure of music the Trombones declare "Joy to the World" then the Trumpets and Woodwinds respond with "Deck the Hall" and Leroy Anderson's Christmas battle has begun...

The whispered conversation of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" countered by the dancing "King Wenceslas"

The Angels in Heaven alert the shepherds of the birth of Christ.

The hauntingly peaceful "Silent Night" interrupted by sleigh bells.

An increasingly boisterous "Jingle Bells" ride suddenly almost overwhelmed by the Trombones summoning "Come All Ye Faithful."

Who will win this battle? Some may say "The Trombones !!! " (glancing over at the trombone section)

But let's see...

I think we ALL WIN as tonight's guest, David Stockton, conducts Leroy Anderson's A CHIRSTMAS FESTIVAL.

For all WT Band friends please accept this invitation to come to our Christmas concert. Also if you are ever driving through Abilene please stop and say hello.