Yes, Virginia! (There is a Santa Claus) (Concert Band)

Duration: 00:08:30

▶ LISTEN HERE

Program Note:

In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editors of The New York Sun to inquire about the existence of Santa Claus. Francis Pharcellus Church, an editor at the paper, received her letter - and even though his personal beliefs on the topic differed - he penned a response filled with such warmth, optimism and love. "Is There A Santa Claus?" has become Christmas and holiday folklore that has brought joy to millions of people. It is also one of the most reprinted editorials in the English language. I hope that the music I have composed, to accompany this prose, delivers the same sense of magical wonderment that this letter has brought me for so many years.

-Vincent Oppido
October 1, 2021
Los Angeles, CA

🔍 PERUSAL SCORE

Instrumentation:

Piccolo
2 Flutes
Oboe
English Horn
2 Bassoons
Contrabassoon

3 Clarinets in Bb
Bass Clarinet in Bb
Contrabass Clarinet in Bb

Bb Soprano Saxophone
Eb Alto Saxophone
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

4 Horns in F
3 Trumpets in Bb
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba

String Bass

Narration (Optional):
2 Speakers: Child & Adult

Harp
Synth Celeste (or Acoustic Celeste)

Timpani

Mallet Percussion:
Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Chimes

Percussion:
Sleigh Bells, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Mark Tree, Bell Tree, Piatti