PREFACE
We are very pleased to present the newest edition of the Christmas American Band Journal. The Christmas season gives us a wonderful opportunity to share the story of Jesus’ birth, and it is our hope that the music in this journal will help communicate that message while bringing both players and listeners into the true spirit of Christmas.
This year’s edition features four new works, each offering something different for the season. Opening the journal is Michael Cooper’s march, Brightest Light, an energetic and joyful piece that will be at home in a wide variety of Christmas programs. Following this is Marcus Venables’ arrangement of O Come Let Us Adore Him, bringing a fresh and expressive approach to this familiar invitation to worship. Ralph Pearce then provides a beautiful contrast with The Quiet Heart, a thoughtful and reflective work that captures something of the stillness and wonder of the Christmas story. Rounding out this edition is Gavin Whitehouse’s Normandy Nativity, an evocative and distinctive contribution that brings its own character and color to the collection.
We are once again grateful for the quality and variety represented in this edition of the American Band Journal and trust that each of these pieces will be a blessing to both players and listeners and will add greatly to your music ministry throughout the Christmas season.

Derek W. Lance
Territorial Music Secretary