A Jolly, Jazzy Christmas: SATB Choral Octavo

Wagner's gift for accessible yet genuinely musical arrangements shines here. He takes two beloved carols and transforms them into something that feels fresh and contemporary without losing their character, giving your holiday concert a sophisticated pop that lighter novelty numbers often miss.

Sophisticated yet unbuttoned. The familiar melodies arrive with subtle jazz harmonies and rhythmic swagger that transform what might feel nostalgic into something playful and contemporary. It swings without losing sight of its carol roots.

Choirs at the high school and advanced middle school level who want to program something that appeals to audiences and performers alike without being simplistic. This octavo works equally well in school and church holiday concerts.

• Establish the jazz groove early in rehearsals by having the section leaders tap the swing feel before singing. This keeps the style distinct from your other holiday offerings.
• Balance the harmonic color by having singers sustain longer notes with consistent tone; the jazz voicing only works when chords sound intentional, not accidental.
• Let the sopranos sing with ease in the upper passages. This piece sits high, so encourage them to sing from support rather than tension.

Program this as a palate cleanser between more solemn seasonal pieces, or let it anchor the lighter half of your concert. At twelve pages, it's substantial enough to stand on its own as a highlight without dominating your rehearsal schedule.

• Singing with swing feel and jazz inflection
• Balancing harmonic blend in contemporary voicings
• Layering two melodic lines simultaneously
• Sustaining tone quality across an extended range