Do a Little Good! And More Pops for Holiday Concerts Wednesday, November 08, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Do a Little Good (from Spirited) arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional combo
Who knew that an innocuous TikTok duet between Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds would then become a basis for a full-throated and good-natured musical in Apple TV’s 2022 instant holiday classic “Spirited”! Pasek & Paul’s lyrics are razor sharp and the music is absolute dynamite!
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB a cappella
Kick off the season with this festive a cappella arrangement of a true holiday favorite! Both sopranos and basses take the jazz waltz melody for a spin while the other voices provide a scat syllable accompaniment. This two-minute versatile setting is fitting for the stage or for door-to-door caroling.
Snowy Day (from The Snowy Day) arr. Roger Emerson, SATB a cappella (optional piano)
Originally recorded by Boyz II Men, this song was featured in the holiday special, “The Snowy Day.” This lush setting can be performed a cappella, and developing choirs will appreciate the optional supportive piano accompaniment.
Song for a Winter’s Night by Gordon Lightfoot/arr. Michael Hanawalt & Justine Sasanfar, SATB with piano
Songsmith Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad expresses the longing to be with loved ones on a cold, snowy night. This artistic concert setting is a beautiful feature for your collaborative pianist with an elegant accompaniment that ebbs and flows beneath the light and airy melody. In the middle, this distinctive arrangement softens to a rubato a cappella section, garnering chills.
Warm and Fuzzy arr. Andy Beck, SATB with piano and optional combo
Steamy cider, cozy fires, sleigh bells ringing, choirs singing – “it’s the warm and fuzzy time of year.” This nostalgic swing ballad features a timeless tune you’ll be humming days after the performance. Sentimental lyrics read like a warm greeting card, and lush harmonies envelop like a fuzzy winter blanket. Guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit!
You Make It Feel Like Christmas arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
This fun-to-sing holiday song from Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton is the perfect choice for that feel-good moment in your Christmas performances. The catchy, Motown-inspired vibe will stay with your audiences long after the curtain falls!
All That Holiday Stuff! by Andy Beck, SAB with piano and optional combo
An opening solo sets the stage for what unfurls into a pizzazzy listicle of holiday decorations, characters, treats, attire…stuff! Andy’s musical theater style shines from the moment the curtain parts to the final kickline. This holiday showstopper that craves choreography, so check out the free ChoreoTrax or design your own razzmatazz routine. A sparkling, twinkling gem of jolly that pulls out all the stops!
The Christmas Song arr. Russell Robinson, SAB 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.
Sleigh Ride arr. Kirby Shaw, SSA with piano and optional combo
Bring the Ronettes’ 60s version of this instantly recognizable wintertime classic to life with Kirby Shaw’s accessible arrangement. Singers will love recreating the Leroy Anderson staple, complete with that iconic whinnying horse and plenty of retro “ring-a-ling-a-lings.” Easy to assemble and hard to forget!
That’s Christmas to Me arr. Audrey Snyder, SSA with piano
Pentatonix composed and placed this beautiful Christmas original amidst an album of known holiday standards, and yet it felt like an instant classic full of warmth and nostalgia. Effective accompanying harmonies intertwined with personal lyrics make this a rich, seasonal addition to any winter concert.
Holiday Road arr. Roger Emerson, TB with piano
“Holiday Road” is a 1983 single written and recorded by Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and featured in the 1983 film “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” It makes a great up-tempo addition to seasonal concerts. A sensational selection for show and pop groups!
Jingle Bells arr. Kirby Shaw, TTBB a cappella
Pop and jazz groups will show their skill with this jazzy take on a winter classic! Great vocal licks, solo opportunities and a lot of fun to sing! Now available in this TTBB voicing!
Up on the Housetop arr. Allen Pote, 2-part with piano and optional woodblock or tambourine
Originally written in the late 1800’s, “Up on the Housetop” remains a holiday favorite today! Sung with energetic tone, this arrangement captures the joyful spirit of Santa Claus and heightens the Christmas spirit. Excellent for children’s choir or any 2-part treble chorus.
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
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.