A Holly, Jolly Christmas (arr. Greg Gilpin): Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by Greg Gilpin
Item: 35-PK00309153
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Description
What a fun song to add to your holiday program! This Johnny Marks favorite and made popular by Burl Ives will add sparkle, fun and maybe a bit of humor when adding the optional kazoos, all in a hip 50's style that invites choreography.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00309153
More about this title
About the Arranger: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin holds the position of Director of Educational Choral Publications at Shawnee Press, where his work shapes the choral landscape across American schools and churches. An ASCAP award-winning composer and conductor, he has led performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Ryman Auditorium, Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall, and Harpa Concert Hall, establishing himself as a major figure in contemporary choral music.
Beyond the concert stage, Gilpin's creative reach extends across multiple disciplines. He composed the award-winning score for the short film "Rosie's Rescue" and collaborated with opera singer Angela Brown on a world premiere arrangement of "What Child is This?" with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. His involvement with the television series "Hoarders" and appearances on national networks reflect his expansion into professional organizing as a certified coach and organizer. Gilpin remains active in ACDA, NAfME, SAG-AFTRA, and holds life membership in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Why we love this
Gilpin captures the nostalgic charm of mid-century pop while giving directors multiple paths to a polished final product. The optional kazoos transform what could be a straightforward seasonal number into genuine audience entertainment, making this a standout choice when you need both accessibility and personality in your holiday lineup.
What to expect
Bright, buoyant, and impossibly cheerful, this arrangement channels the infectious optimism of 1950s pop music. The writing invites movement and spontaneity, making it a natural fit for directors who want their singers smiling through the final phrase.
Who it's for
Choirs wanting a holiday selection that delivers genuine fun alongside musical substance will find this arrangement hits the mark. It works equally well for mixed ensembles, treble choirs, or men's groups seeking contemporary pop repertoire with built in entertainment value.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the hip 50's style by keeping the articulation crisp and the tempo bouncy; this arrangement thrives on rhythmic clarity rather than sentimental phrasing
- If you include the kazoos, rehearse them separately first so singers can commit fully to their parts without distraction, then layer them in during final rehearsals
- Use the recorded accompaniment to nail the groove and energy of the original before transitioning to live instrumental support
How to use it
Position this as the energy boost in your second half when audiences need a lift, or open your holiday concert with it to establish a celebratory tone from the start. Its accessibility and charm make it ideal for mixed skill levels and audience engagement, whether your program leans formal or family-friendly.
Skills your students will build
- Stylistic interpretation of popular music idioms from the mid-20th century
- Rhythmic precision in swung or syncopated figures
- Part independence while maintaining ensemble blend
- Musicality within a lighter, entertainment-focused context