Do you have those composers that you love to play? You wait expectantly for their next release? You know that when you sit down to play through their work that it will be a treat for your ears? Even though I am not a fan of hearing Christmas music ad nauseam this time of year, ever since I first played James Koerts’ Wondrous Christmas selections a few years ago, I approach playing his arrangements with more delight than dread, certain that it will be an enjoyable experience. And I was not disappointed when I sat down for an hour with his latest book, Sacred Christmas, Volume 2!
Also, having just participated in George Litterst’s live webinar on Making Sense Out of Digital Scores, I resisted the urge to print out the 50 pages and instead gave them a run-through on my iPad mini. True to past experience, I thoroughly enjoyed the selection of very accessible intermediate arrangements. I particularly liked the cool factor of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.” If you’ll forgive my less-than-stellar rendition of it, you can watch my recording of the arrangement (even though it’s not polished hopefully it will give you a good idea of the style):
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for…James has kindly offered to giveaway one copy of Sacred Christmas, Volume 2, to a Music Matters Blog reader! Just leave a comment below to be entered in the drawing. Winners will be drawn on Friday, December 11, at noon (CST) using a random number generator. This will provide some great playing time for you or an intermediate level piano student in your studio!
Patti says
Sounds like a winner!
Nancy Wang says
I also LOVE James Koerts’ arrangements! I don’t have this collection, and would love to have it!!
Juanita says
I don’t have any of his books and I was just thinking yesterday it is about time for a new book of arrangements for me to play. I’d love to win it.
Rachel says
Wonderful arrangement! The collection would be welcome for that piece alone!
Sonya says
Awesome! Always looking for new arrangements.
Jane Lester says
Love,love the modulation! Looking to add this to my Christmas library
Alice Corbett says
Love James Koerts’ arrangements!
Dixie says
Would love to have a new collection of Christmas pieces!
Ames says
I love his music 🙂
Elena Lin says
Sounds great!
Elsa says
What a treat that would be to add to one’s Christmas collection!
Brenda P says
James Koerts’ arrangements are wonderful! Would love to have this collection.
Loraine says
I did not purchase any holiday music in the year, it is time to explore new arrangement of holiday music. I would love to win this copy
Paulette says
This would be a nice addition!
Theresa says
I have several students who would love this arrangement. Definitely will check out the book.
Angela Michael says
I would like to try the music.
Laura says
Love Christmas music! I would like to expand my collection of it.
Geri Miller says
I really like his arrangements. Would love to have this volume of Christmas music!
Diana says
I have not played anything by him before, it would be great to try one!
Margaret says
I, too, love his arrangements. Would really love to have this collection!
Lynnette says
This book is on my list of books to purchase – it would be fun to win a copy! Thanks!
Rick says
Mark Hayes is still my number one arranger but James Koerts is moving up the list.
Linda says
I enjoy playing all his arrangements that I have and would love the chance to play these Christmas pieces as well. Thanks for doing the giveaways.
Rebecca says
I love adding to my Christmas music collection. I’m very glad you introduced us to his music.
Lavinia Livingston says
I am always interested in intermediate level Christmas materials for my students. I would be delighted to add this to my studio collection.
Maggie George says
I would love to try this one! Sounds really interesting.
Christie says
Ooo I love his arrangements…haven’t seen this one yet.
Heidi Neal says
Beautiful arrangement!
Marie says
I have played a couple of his arrangements, would love more!
Lori says
You can never have too much Christmas music to enjoy!
Kristi Chase says
I would love a new book of Christmas arrangements!
Sheryl Welles says
I love his music as well and have purchased many of his arrangements! This one is on my wish list! Thank you for arranging the giveaway!
Lynda Broadbent says
I would love this new book. I’m always interested in trying new arrangements.
Sue says
Another awesome giveaway! I love Christmas music!
Ashley says
Would be interested to give this a try!
Jeremy says
This would be fun to have!
Heidi says
I’d like to give this a try! Always looking for nice new arrangements for myself to play at my Christmas Recitals. 🙂
Valerie says
I haven’t previously heard of this composer. How exciting to discover something new!