Percy Faith was well known for his spicy orchestration and this Samba setting makes for a unique sleigh bell piece. There is an optional sleigh bell part, but that can be omitted if you want to play this lively piece any time of year.....not just Christmas! It is set by John Gibson for flute choir (Piccolo, Flute 1-2-3, Alto, Bass, an alternate 4th flute for alto, and an optional sleigh bell part).

This unique and clever and arrangement features all members of the ensemble and will provide a highlight to an Easter service or recital. Various textures are employed including a variation in the style of a Baroque fugue. The countermelodies and florid accompanying passages give this work an engaging originality while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the familiar hymn.

Flute choir meets heavy metal!

Avenged Sevenfold is one of my absolute favorite heavy metal bands. I don't usually hear a flute choir when I listen to their songs, or mostly any heavy metal songs for that matter, but A Little Piece of Heaven is so creative, so musical, and so funny, that I couldn't help it. Also, Oingo Boingo headed up the instrumental parts of the original song, which is evident.

If you are unfamiliar with heavy metal, you don't need to know anything about this song, other than it's incredibly unique and has to be played with an attitude. Accentuate the down beats, lay off the full vibratos, keep pushing the tempo - it never should slow down, and channel your inner rocker.

This song was the brainchild of the late James "The Rev" Sullivan. With the help of Oingo Boingo musicians, the song was scored to include an orchestra, full wind section, and choir. This arrangement is less than half the length of the original song, but it still clocks in at around 3 1/2 minutes.

This arrangement is scored for 4 flutes, alto, bass, contrabass, and upright string bass or keyboard. It is essential that there is a strong bass line. The upright bass part could also be played by any bass clef C instrument, like a euphonium, trombone, or tuba. If you are lucky enough to know a drummer, that would help a great deal too. I did not include a drum part, only because I am not knowledgeable enough at writing for drums and would rather leave it out than mess it up!

I hope you and your group will enjoy playing this song as much as I enjoyed arranging it. And I hope your audience will like it too!