Thanksgiving Playlist: 9 Songs to Celebrate Family, Food, and Fall

(Words and music by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers [Sister Sledge] / arr. Roland Barrett)

Family first! One of the most recognizable tunes ever is taken to a new level in the capable hands of arranger Roland Barrett. Great stands material, or use it as a feature song for your drill team or color guard!

(By Patrick Roszell)

"Autumn Rains" is inspired by a quiet afternoon storm as the leaves change and the temperature drops. With special rain effects and subtle dissonances gracefully resolved, this original work is technically accessible, but musically impassioned. Close your eyes and enjoy the refreshing sounds of "Autumn Rains."

(Words and Music by Marta Keen, arranged by Jay Althouse)

One of the most popular and widely performed choral selections of our time, this heartfelt piece is elegant in its simplicity and has become the anthem for many soldiers returning home. May optionally be performed with the new concert band scoring by Brant Karrick.

(By Antonio Vivaldi, arranged by Richard Meyer)

One of the earliest examples of tone painting, Vivaldi's Four Seasons has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire. This energetic movement from "Autumn" depicts a hunt on a crisp fall morning and is full of learning opportunities for your young orchestra including: terraced dynamics, hooked bowings and dotted rhythms. The original violin solo has been simplified and distributed to two solo violins with solo cello accompaniment. Full and mature-sounding, yet very playable by less-experienced students. This title is available in SmartMusic .

(By John O'Reilly)

Autumn is always an exciting time of the year for children as they head back to school and fall sports. For the composer John O’Reilly, autumn is a special time because of the dramatic colors that dot the Adirondack Mountains in New York State. Summer is over and autumn is the lovely season that precedes the harsh winter to come. "Autumn Colors" is set in a natural minor tonality and features flowing melodic lines from all the winds. This lyrical ballad portrays the warm feelings the composer experiences when the leaves put on their yearly display of beautiful colors. This title is available in SmartMusic .

(By Brian Beck)

Inspired by Psalm 139, "An Everlasting Spirit" is a dedication to those who have always been there. Whether supportive parents, loving family, or dedicated friend—we all need each other and need to be there for each other.

(By Patrick Roszell)

Inspired by an Emily Dickenson poem and combined with the thrill of an autumn drive, this overture is energetic and fast-paced, with a mood-setting introduction. Perfect for contest or concert performance, it's certain to seize the attention of your students and audience alike.

(By Jay Althouse)

This haunting contemporary work features a wistful text about the departure of summer and the coming of winter. Rich, a cappella harmonies and thoughtful dynamics heighten the mood of this stunning piece.

(Arr. Mark Williams)

What happen when a bunch of percussionists get mixed up with the American folk song "Turkey in the Straw"? Why, Turkey Drumsticks, of course! Watch the feathers fly in this entertaining and challenging percussion feature. Even an appearance by a well-known Thanksgiving hymn keeps this turkey on the run. Turkey Drumsticks is a great audience pleaser for young and old alike!