As Lately We Watched: SATB Choral Octavo
As Lately We Watched Sheet Music Preview

As Lately We Watched: SATB Choral Octavo

Arranged by Kirby Shaw

Item: 35-DS00435340
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 7
SKU: 35-DS00435340

More about this title

About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw holds degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University, along with a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. His career has taken him across North America, Europe, and beyond, where he has led influential vocal jazz ensembles at College of the Siskiyous, Colorado State University, University of Missouri at Kansas City, and Southern Oregon University. Recognized for his gift of transmitting musical knowledge with infectious enthusiasm and wit, Shaw has studied intensively with vocal legends including Bobby McFerrin, Mark Murphy, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks.

With over 2,500 choral arrangements and compositions in print and nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide, Shaw ranks among the most prolific and performed arrangers in choral music. His output spans educational recordings, college albums, and concert works, earning him multiple ASCAP awards. He is also a performer with Just 4 Kicks, a jazz-focused a cappella quartet, and recently co-created an original musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol with his wife, Markita.

Why we love this

Shaw brings warmth and musicality to this carol without sacrificing the earnestness of the text. The a cappella setting allows your singers to focus on ensemble blend and intonation while carrying a tune that sits naturally in the voice; the arranging is clean and supportive rather than showy. For holiday programming, this lands in that sweet spot between familiar and fresh.

What to expect

A gentle, reflective carol that invites singers and listeners into a moment of quiet observation. The a cappella texture creates an intimate acoustic space where harmonic warmth and textual clarity become the focus.

Who it's for

Intermediate to advanced SATB choirs looking for a Christmas selection that works a cappella without requiring extensive voice leading expertise. This arrangement suits both concert settings and smaller performance contexts, making it accessible for community and educational ensembles.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the four parts by having soloists or small groups sing through each line individually before rehearsing full ensemble; this clarifies harmonic function and prevents blending issues.
  • Pay attention to vowel consistency across all four voices on sustained chords. Record a few measures and listen back to spot any timbral shifts that break the blend.
  • Let the text shape your phrasing and dynamics rather than imposing a rigid musical shape. The story the carol tells should drive your interpretation.

How to use it

Slot this into a holiday concert as a contrasting moment between more robust festive fare. Its meditative quality pairs well with other carols of contemplation, or it can anchor a set focused on traditional texts performed through fresh arranging.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing SATB four-part harmony in an a cappella texture
  • Sustaining intonation without instrumental support
  • Phrasing based on text rather than metric convention
  • Blend and vowel uniformity across a chord

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