A Doo-Wop Christmas (With You) Cover Image

A Doo-Wop Christmas (With You): TTBB, <i>a cappella</i> Choral Octavo

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A Doo-Wop Christmas (With You) Cover Image
A Doo-Wop Christmas (With You): TTBB, a cappella Choral Octavo

A Doo-Wop Christmas (With You): TTBB, a cappella Choral Octavo

Words and music by Kirby Shaw

Item: 00-39875
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Description
This clever a cappella original is reminiscent of doo-wop groups from the '50s and '60s. The choir sings a "bop-bop-bop" refrain alternately with classic back-ups, as a soloist or small group croons the flirtatious text, weaving in popular song titles from back in the day.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A Doo-Wop Christmas (With You): TTBB, a cappella Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
UPC: 038081445366
SKU: 00-39875

More about this title

About the Composer: Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw's influence extends across continents, from California public schools to university choral programs and international workshops spanning North America, Europe, and the Pacific. His formal training in music education, choral composition, and conducting (culminating in a DMA from the University of Washington) equipped him to build innovative vocal jazz ensembles at institutions including Colorado State University and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He has worked closely with master vocalists including Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks, whose affirmation of Shaw's scat abilities reflects a musician equally comfortable in both classical choral and jazz idioms.

With over 2500 published choral compositions and arrangements, Shaw's output has circulated globally and sold nearly 20 million copies, earning him multiple ASCAP awards. His creative partnership with his wife, Markita, has expanded into musical theater adaptation, and he currently directs the Jefferson State Choral Coalition at Southern Oregon University, bringing the same blend of humor and musicianship that has defined his teaching for decades.

Why we love this

Shaw captures the infectious energy of mid-century doo-wop without reducing it to parody. The piece balances novelty appeal with genuine singability, allowing TTBB choirs to enjoy the humor of the flirtatious text and pop-song references while maintaining solid voice-part writing that works in performance.

What to expect

Stepping into a 1950s diner where a smooth-talking soloist leans against the jukebox while his friends provide snappy vocal percussion and harmony backup. The piece carries genuine warmth beneath its wink and nudge, capturing the charm of an era when pop music and vocal harmony were inseparable.

Who it's for

TTBB choirs looking for a secular Christmas program piece with personality and humor. This works for high school, college, and community ensembles comfortable with a cappella singing and willing to embrace the theatrical energy of the doo-wop idiom.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythm of the 'bop-bop-bop' refrain across all voice parts so the texture sounds unified and intentional rather than scattered; this percussive element drives the groove.
  • Assign the solo or small-group section to singers with secure intonation and clear diction, since they'll carry the melodic and lyrical weight while the rest of the choir maintains the rhythmic backing.
  • Embrace the stylistic character by softening consonants slightly in the backups and letting the soloist's delivery lean into the playful, flirtatious mood of the text.
  • Shape the piece with dynamic contrast between the 'bop-bop-bop' sections and the sung passages to prevent the novelty element from overshadowing musical shape.

How to use it

Open a holiday concert's second half or use as a palate cleanser between more serious seasonal selections. The novelty and approachable a cappella format make it an excellent choice for building audience connection during a festive concert without requiring instrumental accompaniment.

Skills your students will build

  • A cappella intonation and blend across four voice parts
  • Rhythmic precision in percussive vocal elements (the 'bop-bop-bop' refrain)
  • Stylistic interpretation of doo-wop vocal techniques and phrasing
  • Solo or small-group balance and ensemble listening
  • Text clarity and diction in a novelty, comedic context

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