Pittsfield — For the Eagles Community Band’s holiday concert at First United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 14, Principal Conductor David Diggs drew from a wide range of 20th- and 21st-century composers who expanded seasonal music beyond traditional carols.
Sunday’s program consisted of the following:
- Leroy Anderson — “A Christmas Festival”
- Stephen Bulla — “Rhapsody For Hanukkah”
- Tom Wallace — “Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head”
- John Wasson — “Sounds Of Christmas”
- Alfred Reed — “Eastern Orthodox Christmas Music”
- Robert W. Smith — “Jingle Bells Forever”
- John Higgins – “Christmas On Broadway”
- Leroy Anderson – “Sleigh Ride”
The concert opened with Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival,” a 1950 overture that weaves together familiar carols including “Joy to the World,” “Deck the Halls,” “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” and “Silent Night.” Closely associated with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Anderson was known for combining classical technique with popular appeal. Rather than a simple medley, “A Christmas Festival” uses contrasting tempos and orchestral color to shape the material into a unified concert work.
Stephen Bulla’s “Rhapsody for Hanukkah” reflects a different tradition. Bulla, a prolific composer and arranger for wind band and choral ensembles, draws on Jewish folk melodies and liturgical themes to create a piece that is both celebratory and reflective. The rhapsodic structure allows the music to move freely between moods, highlighting the resilience and joy associated with the Festival of Lights.
Tom Wallace’s “Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head” is a restrained, folk-inflected arrangement of the traditional Appalachian carol. Wallace, known for creating works for school and community bands, emphasizes the song’s folk origins through transparent textures and lyrical phrasing, allowing the melody’s simplicity and quiet reverence to come through.
John Wasson’s “Sounds of Christmas” brought a lighter, more contemporary touch to the program. Wasson, a respected arranger for concert band, creates a collage of familiar holiday themes shaped by modern rhythms and colorful orchestration. The piece reflects the way Christmas music has absorbed popular styles while remaining rooted in tradition.
Alfred Reed’s “Eastern Orthodox Christmas Music” stands apart for its seriousness and depth. Reed, one of the most influential American wind band composers of the 20th century, based the work on authentic Russian Orthodox chants. Composed in 1957, the piece uses modal harmonies and chant-like melodies to evoke the solemnity and mystery of Eastern Christmas traditions, offering a contrast to lighter holiday fare.
Robert W. Smith’s “Jingle Bells Forever” provides a playful reinvention of the familiar tune. Smith, widely known for his energetic band compositions, treats “Jingle Bells” as a set of variations, transforming the simple melody through changes in style, tempo, and orchestration while maintaining its recognizable core.
John Higgins’ “Christmas on Broadway” celebrates the influence of musical theater on holiday music. Higgins, a longtime arranger for educational and professional ensembles, strings together songs from Broadway shows with Christmas connections, capturing the theatrical flair and optimism associated with the stage.
The program concluded with Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” composed in 1948. Though not originally written as a Christmas piece, it has become one of the most recognizable sounds of the season. With its jingling sleigh bells, whip cracks, and playful trumpet effects, “Sleigh Ride” exemplifies Anderson’s gift for vivid musical storytelling.
Together, these works show how modern composers have expanded holiday music for concert band, blending sacred and secular traditions, folk roots, popular culture, and classical craft into a repertoire that continues to evolve.
The Eagles’ Principal Conductor David Diggs leads community musicians in programs that emphasize the breadth of the modern concert band repertoire, from traditional and holiday works to music by 20th- and 21st-century composers. Diggs is known for thoughtful programming that balances familiar selections with lesser-known pieces written specifically for wind ensemble.
The Eagles Community Band—originally the Eagles Band—is a volunteer wind ensemble made up of local musicians of varied ages and backgrounds. It is recognized as the oldest continuing performance ensemble in the Berkshires. Founded in 1936, it has performed continuously in the region for nearly nine decades, tracing its roots back to earlier community and military musical groups before adopting its current identity. The band’s long history and ongoing presence make it a distinctive cultural institution in Berkshire County’s vibrant music scene.
The band performs a wide range of music, from traditional marches and holiday selections to contemporary concert band literature, in community concerts throughout the year. Its mission is to provide performance opportunities for amateur and experienced players alike while enriching the cultural life of Pittsfield and the surrounding region. Under the leadership of Principal Conductor David Diggs, the band emphasizes high-quality, accessible programming that engages audiences and fosters participation in community music. Performances often take place in local venues such as churches, parks, and civic spaces.
