Audrey Snyder has spent decades as a choral arranger and composer, bringing accessibility and musicality to repertoire across all levels. Her arrangements have become staples in concert programs nationwide, known for respecting singers' voices while maintaining engaging, performance-ready writing.
Why we love this
Snyder crafts holiday music that sounds far more sophisticated than it reads. The arrangement balances four independent lines without asking sopranos to live in the stratosphere, and the 15-page span gives singers room to build ensemble blend and confidence without feeling overextended.
What to expect
Warm and celebratory without sentimentality. The piece balances moments of genuine lyrical singing with rhythmic, energetic passages that remind singers they're part of something joyful and together.
Who it's for
Intermediate to advanced SATB choirs looking for holiday literature that avoids oversimplification. Works well for choirs with solid part independence but mixed voice quality.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the inner voices during tutti sections by having altos and tenors mark their entrances lightly in rehearsal; this reveals whether sopranos and basses are actually supporting the harmonic foundation.
Record a run-through midway through rehearsal and play it back immediately. Singers hear details about blend and intonation they miss in the moment.
Map out dynamics as a section before putting them together; tenors especially benefit from understanding where they're doubling soprano lines versus carrying their own voice.
Consider splitting sopranos on divisi passages so no one section shoulders the melodic weight alone.
How to use it
A strong centerpiece for a December concert, or pair it with shorter unaccompanied pieces to create a varied first half. The 15-page length makes it substantial enough to anchor a set without dominating the entire program.
Skills your students will build
Managing independent melodic lines in four-part harmony
Sustaining clear vowel definition at moderate tempos
Responding to dynamic contrast across the full range of the choir
Balancing solo-like moments with ensemble tutti singing
Coordinate intonation adjustments within SSA, TTB, or divisi sections
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