Hey Santa! Holiday Pops for Choir Friday, November 08, 2019
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Looking for new music for your Holiday pops program? Celebrate the season with our best recommendations for your TTBB, SSAA and SATB choirs!
FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
Holiday Film Festival arr. Alan Billingsley, SATB with piano & optional instrumentation
The ultimate holiday opener or closer! These three blockbusters are some of the most memorable movie songs of all time, so we’ve strung them together for you in this spectacular 3½-minute choral medley. Featuring iconic music from The Polar Express (“Spirit of the Season”), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (“Welcome Christmas”), and Home Alone 2 (“Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas”).
A Holiday Road of Carols arr. Greg Gilpin, SATB with piano & optional rhythm
Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road,” made famous as the theme for National Lampoon’s Vacation, serves as the chorus for this holiday medley. The fun and familiar beat carries verses of “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Hall” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” creating a one-of-a-kind medley for your next holiday program.
Sleigh Ride arr. Mark Hayes, SATB with piano & optional instrumentation
Leroy Anderson’s winter frolic has never sounded cooler! This sleigh ride swings in big band style, offering bright (and sometimes tight) harmony paired with jazzy rhythms for a truly refreshing version of the holiday classic. As always, Mark Hayes’ accompaniment shines with piano alone or the fully orchestrated SoundTrax and SoundPax.
FOR TREBLE CHOIR
Hey Santa arr. Paul Langford, SSA with piano & optional combo
Carnie and Wendy Wilson made this a holiday classic in the early ’90s and it is still just as popular! Perfect for SSA groups looking for strong 3-part writing, this fun pop-feel choral is great for show choirs as well as concert choirs looking for a lighter number for their singers.
Joy to the World! arr. Matt Podd, SSA with piano & optional bass & drumset
It’s a high-energy, gospel-infused take on one of the most treasured Christmas carols of all time. Riveting rhythmic syncopation, triadic choral harmonies that climb in inversion, and plenty of melodic blue notes all add up to…well, sheer joy! Your piano player really gets to show off on the fully notated riff-like accompaniment. Plus, you can download free bass and drumset parts for the full effect. Not to be missed!
Merry Christmas arr. Ryan O’Connell, SSA with piano & optional rhythm
From the MGM film “In the Good Old Summertime” comes this song sung by the great Judy Garland as a moving ballad. O’Connell has given this arrangement a casual swing, making it appealing to many ages and perfect for brightening any holiday program.
FOR TENOR/BASS CHOIR
Believe (from The Polar Express) arr. Mark Hayes, TTBB with piano & optional orchestra
The spirit of the season comes alive in this unbelievably fantastic holiday hit from The Polar Express. Originally recorded by Josh Groban, the magical ballad has grown in popularity to become recognizable worldwide. Fully arranged by Mark Hayes for choirs of all sizes and ages, a much-anticipated TTBB voicing is now available!
Please Come Home for Christmas arr. Jay Althouse, TTBB with piano & optional combo
In 1960, pianist and singer Charles Brown first recorded this Christmas classic. Since then, the Eagles, Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, and Jon Bon Jovi are among the many artists who have covered the blues-infused tune about missing “the one you love” during the holidays. Opens with an optional solo followed by irresistible classic ’60s harmonies.
Visit our Listening Library for more programming ideas, or contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. Currently she is a church choir director, operates a private voice/piano studio and is active as a clinician and accompanist. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!