Angels We Have Heard on High (Band Gr. 2.5)

Angels We Have Heard on High is one of the most joyful and recognizable carols of the Christmas season. Set to the hymn tune Gloria, the song tells the story of the shepherds outside the town of Bethlehem who are suddenly surrounded by angels announcing the birth of Jesus.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Sapphire Band Series
Level: 2.5 | Duration: 2:35

Instrumentation
Transposed Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
F Horn
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Euphonium
B-flat Euphonium T.C.
Tuba

Timpani (3 drums)
Bells
Percussion 1 [2 players]: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Wind Chimes

Program Notes
Angels We Have Heard on High is one of the most joyful and recognizable carols of the Christmas season. Set to the hymn tune Gloria, the song tells the story of the shepherds outside the town of Bethlehem who are suddenly surrounded by angels announcing the birth of Jesus. The famous refrain—“Gloria in excelsis Deo”—captures the excitement of that moment, imagining the sound of angels filling the sky with a song of praise.

This new arrangement for concert band, commissioned by the National Catholic Band Association, brings that sense of excitement and celebration to life. Bright sounds, energetic rhythms, and bold melodic moments help tell the story in a way that feels festive and full of Christmas spirit. Designed to be both thrilling for performers and fun for audiences, this setting invites everyone to share in the joy of the angels’ song and the celebration of the Christmas season.