It’s the Holiday Season! Pops for Choir

holiday season mark hayes

recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists

The Holiday Season arr. Mark Hayes, SATB with piano and optional combo
Written by the legendary Kay Thompson, this swingin’ song of the season is most closely associated with singer Andy Williams’s now-iconic 1963 Christmas album. Mark Hayes gives it the full Hollywood treatment in this show-stopping arrangement, including a flashy piano part and a no-holds-barred instrumental accompaniment. Not to be missed!

Bring Me Love arr. Ed Lojeski, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
From John Legend’s Christmas album “Legendary Christmas” here is an easy rock shuffle and secular song for the holiday season. Lending itself to lush choral writing this up beat song will leave everyone smiling.

Joy to the World! arr. Matt Podd, SSATB with piano and 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!

rudolph on the housetop kirby shaw

Rudolph on the Housetop arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB with piano and optional combo
Here are two classic, secular Christmas tunes in a mash up. Laced with humor and good fun, singers and listeners alike won’t be able to stop smiling with this energetic anthem. Includes “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Up on the Housetop.”

Winter Wonderland arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB with piano and optional combo
Kirby Shaw’s jazzy arrangement is inspired by Michael Bublé’s recording of this cherished holiday standard. Each new refrain glistens more than the last as the lightly syncopated gem unfolds. Perform with the optional SoundTrax accompaniment or a handful of horns and live rhythm section (SoundPax parts available). Pizazzy holiday cheer!

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree arr. Roger Emerson, TB with piano
Roger Emerson’s TB arrangement of the Christmas hit “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” makes the perfect addition to any holiday concert. Written for tenor and baritones to have a good time and entertain the crowd, the song will bring the house down with its festive tune and lyrics.

sparklejollytwinklejingley elf andy beck

Sparklejollytwinklejingley (from Elf) arr. Andy Beck, TTBB with piano and optional combo
Here’s a delightfully cheerful showstopper from the Broadway musical “Elf,” based on the Will Ferrell film. The whimsical words and merry music are guaranteed to put a smile on every face this Christmas. Splashy holiday entertainment with razzmatazz to spare!

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy arr. Mark Brymer, SATB with piano and optional rhythm, or opt. a cappella
Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet remains a holiday fixture due in large part to its haunting timbre and instantly recognizable musical motifs. Pentatonix arranged a Grammy winning a cappella version in 2014, and this choir adaptation captures the mysterious, moody feel of source material.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! arr. Mark Hayes, SATB divisi a cappella
This sparkling and sophisticated a cappella arrangement is delightful from start to finish. Sprinkled with divisi jazz harmonies throughout, the middle transitions to a light and lovely waltz, which leads to an expressive final verse before returning to the original swing tempo for a grand finale. An impressive wintertime feature!

spirit of the season jamey ray

Spirit of the Season (from The Polar Express) arr. Jamey Ray, SATB divisi a cappella
A festive choral fanfare from the animated blockbuster “The Polar Express!” This brief but epic treatment comes straight from the incredible a cappella vocal group, Voctave. Arranger Jamey Ray pulls out all of the stops with divisi in every section, double descants, and an optional soaring soprano obbligato – totaling five octaves of choral grandeur when all the cued notes are sung. A holiday jaw-dropper!

Find more Winter & Holiday Five Star Features on our website, and 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.

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!



Categories: Christmas, New Publications, School Choral, Staff Picks

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