A Holly Jolly Christmas Sheet Music Preview

A Holly Jolly Christmas: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

By Johnny Marks / As performed by Burl Ives / Arranged by Mac Huff

Item: 35-DS00138276

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 10
SKU: 35-DS00138276

More about this title

About the Composer: Johnny Marks

Johnny Marks (1911-1985) was an accomplished composer and lyricist who specialized in holiday music and film scores. His gift for crafting memorable melodies with accessible harmonic language made him a prolific contributor to American popular music, particularly during the mid-twentieth century.

Why we love this

Mac Huff's arrangement captures the infectious warmth of this perennial favorite while making it genuinely singable for mixed voices at an accessible level. The ten-page score gives you enough substance to feel like a real concert moment without overcomplicating what should remain charming and fun.

What to expect

Pure seasonal joy wrapped in a melody that audiences recognize instantly. The arrangement radiates good humor and sincerity without a trace of cynicism, inviting singers and listeners alike into the spirit of the season.

Who it's for

This arrangement works beautifully for mixed choirs at the intermediate level, holiday concerts, and programs where you need a crowd-pleasing piece that students enjoy singing. It's equally effective for community and church choirs seeking familiar material with fresh arranging.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the tempo bright and conversational rather than rushing; the arrangement thrives on clarity and bounce, not speed.
  • Balance the three parts evenly in the opening sections so the melody sits naturally in the soprano line without drowning out the harmonic support underneath.
  • Lean into the text's inherent cheerfulness by releasing consonants cleanly and allowing vowels to bloom on sustained notes.

How to use it

Position this in the second half of a holiday concert as a lighter moment between more substantial choral works, or use it to close your show if you want to send the audience out humming. It pairs especially well with other classic holiday standards and requires minimal rehearsal time relative to its impact.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing three-part mixed voicing with clear melodic phrasing
  • Sustaining legit tone while maintaining text clarity on familiar material
  • Responding to stylistic nuance in mid-century American popular song arrangement

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