Gettin’ in the Mood for Christmas! New Holiday Pops for Choir 06 November, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Gettin’ in the Mood (for Christmas) arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional combo
Swing into the season with this toe-tapping, big-band styled holiday song! A perfect concert opener for pop and show groups, complete with a rhythm and horn section.
A Winter Wish by MaryAnne Muglia, SATB a cappella
Warm year-end lyrics create an a cappella greeting card for the season, “wishing boundless love and lasting peace.” A plucked bass vocal line and some sweet sonorities from the inner voices form a beautiful accompaniment for the sopranos’ melody. The pleasing lilt of this stylish song will have everyone snapping along. Fresh and fun.
Christmas Dance arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano and optional combo
Mac Huff’s joyful, toe-tapping arrangement of a new Christmas classic by Darren Criss furnishes a festive blend of novelty and nostalgia perfect for any holiday concert. A real earworm that’s easy to learn, yet packed with engaging rhythms and harmonies.
Jingle Bell Rock arr. Bryan Sharpe, SATB a cappella with optional sleigh bells
Everybody gets a chance to sing the melody in this lively a cappella arrangement of the rock’ ‘n’ roll classic. Perfect for holiday concerts or door to door caroling, this two-minute feature includes optional sleigh bells and clip-clop tongue clicks. Bryan’s creative approach offers a sleigh full of interesting vocal parts that singers are gonna love. “That’s the Jingle Bell Rock!”
It Feels Like Christmas (from The Muppet Christmas Carol) arr. Audrey Snyder, 3-part mixed with piano
The merriest song from the classic movie, “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” makes an ideal selection for middle school and upper elementary choirs. Accessible voice parts provide ease of learning and confidence in singing. Holiday concerts will glow with holiday cheer from start to finish!
The Christmas Waltz arr. Lisa DeSpain, SATB with piano
Kristin Chenoweth’s cover of the beloved “frosted windowpanes” waltz inspired this arrangement, which sparkles with holiday nostalgia. A music box-like accompaniment supports lyrical vocal lines and expressive tempo changes that make for an impressive concert performance. Originally written for Frank Sinatra, this is a Christmastime standard not to be missed!
Theme from Elf arr. Daniel Grassi, SATB with piano and optional kazoos & percussion
Here’s the festive main theme from the popular motion picture soundtrack sung almost entirely on nonsense syllables! If you don’t recognize it from the first few notes, the holiday lights will certainly come on by the time we play the sweeping tune on crazy kazoos.
A Christmas Carol (from Scrooge) arr. Mark Hayes, SATB with piano and optional chamber ensemble
From the 1970 movie “Scrooge,” this beloved song has been covered by many artists ever since: from gospel greats to contemporary stars. The arrangement captures the beauty, strength and scope of the original and may be accompanied by either piano or additional chamber instruments. What a glorious moment for any holiday concert!
It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas arr. Mark Hayes, TTBB with piano and optional orchestra
Now in SSAA and TTBB voicings, Meredith Willson’s famous song is wonderfully arranged for choirs with a terrific piano accompaniment as well as orchestral parts. The introduction is captivating and paints the magic of the holidays while the heart of the song ends with a big and broad finish.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Andy Beck, SATB with piano and optional orchestration
It’s the classic Chirstmas poem set with swingin’ jazz flair! A snazzy bass line and some backbeat finger snaps greet the opening lines, spoken stylistically in rhythm. When the singing begins, it’s non-stop fun from the first “out on the lawn” clatter to Santa’s final “and to all a good night” send-off. Guaranteed to bring the holiday house down, with or without the full theatrical orchestration.
The Christmas Song arr. Russell Robinson, SATB a cappella
Perhaps your ensemble has sung “The Christmas Song” many times, many ways … but this is a truly special treatment. Simple yet sophisticated, Russell Robinson’s heartwarming a cappella arrangement gives the holiday classic a hint of jazzy harmonic freshness, yet retains a cozy flavor reminiscent of Christmases gone by.
Toyland arr. John Maclane Schirard, SATB a cappella
This new a cappella arrangement of “Toyland” adds a charming and festive touch to any holiday concert. With lush harmonies, the arrangement captures the whimsical essence of the original tune, transporting the audience to a magical world of toys and holiday cheer. The a cappella aspect of this piece allows the pure vocal textures to shine, creating a delightful and heartwarming experience for both performers and listeners alike.
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.
