{"product_id":"a-christmas-carol","title":"A Christmas Carol","description":"\u003cp\u003eA quietly beautiful piece of American musical history — made accessible for young concert bands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharles Ives composed \u003cem\u003eA Christmas Carol\u003c\/em\u003e around 1894, later including it in his self-published collection \u003cem\u003e114 Songs\u003c\/em\u003e. It's a gentle, hymn-like work — understated in the best way, with the warmth and sincerity that defines Ives' early writing before his more experimental years. Steven Paxton's transcription for Grade 2 concert band preserves that character, giving younger ensembles a chance to perform something with genuine musical depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccessible Grade 2 writing that doesn't talk down to young players\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHymn-like texture — teaches blend, balance, and dynamic sensitivity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for holiday concerts, winter programs, or as a lyrical contrast piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA rare opportunity to introduce students to Charles Ives' music\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor directors who want their holiday programming to mean something beyond the familiar, \u003cem\u003eA Christmas Carol\u003c\/em\u003e is a thoughtful, audience-friendly choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComposer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Charles Ives (c. 1894)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArranger:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steven Paxton\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrumentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Concert Band\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrade:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Steven Paxton","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45435067367603,"sku":null,"price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0749\/5634\/1427\/files\/Screenshot2026-04-13at7.50.41PM.png?v=1776135052","url":"https:\/\/selfpublify.com\/products\/a-christmas-carol","provider":"SelfPublify","version":"1.0","type":"link"}