Away from the Mistletoe Sheet Music Preview

Away from the Mistletoe: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Words and music by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher

Item: 00-PO-0000377

Digital Download
$1.75

Minimum order quantity: 20 copies

Description
A knock-out, rock-out novelty number for 3- and 2-part choirs! What's worse than coal in your stocking? Getting caught under the mistletoe! This silly song features humorous words and 60s-style music poking fun at the age-old holiday tradition. "I really like Christmas, but I don't like kissing at all . . . yuck!" Choreography featured on "Razzamatazz!" DVD (item 00-27430).

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
SKU: 00-PO-0000377

More about this title

About the Composer: Andy Beck

Andy Beck

Andy Beck serves as Director of Choral Publications at Alfred Music, where he has cultivated a catalog of over 450 choral works and vocal resources for singers of all ages. His compositions and arrangements span novelty songs, musicals, and pedagogical materials, reaching choirs worldwide. Beck holds degrees in Music Education from Ithaca College and Northwest Missouri State University, and he remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States and internationally.

Beyond his publishing role, Beck is an accomplished tenor and musical theatre director who performs with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir. He has served as a commissioned composer and guest conductor for honor choirs and all-state groups, bringing his energetic approach to choral artistry and music literacy into rehearsal halls across multiple states. His work as an Alfred Music studio singer since 1992 underscores his commitment to both pedagogical excellence and performance quality.

Why we love this

This piece earns its place in your winter concert because it delivers genuine laughs without sacrificing musicality. The 60s rock style gives students a fresh genre to sing, and the built-in choreography transforms a novelty number into a fully staged moment that audiences remember long after the final note.

What to expect

Upbeat, cheeky, and unapologetically silly. The 60s rock groove propels the story forward while the lyrics ('I really like Christmas, but I don't like kissing at all . . . yuck!') tap into genuine humor about a universal teenage experience. Singers feel the infectious energy of a novelty number that's genuinely fun to perform.

Who it's for

This octavo works for 2-part choirs and mixed groups that can tackle a 3-part arrangement. It's ideal for middle and high school choirs looking for an audience-pleaser that balances fun with solid musicianship.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock in the rhythm section and rock-steady pulse before layering vocal harmonies; the groove is the foundation that makes the humor land.
  • Nail the comedic timing on the lyrical content (especially "yuck!") by rehearsing the spoken or rhythmic moments with the same precision you'd give to pitched phrases.
  • Incorporate the suggested movement and staging into your rehearsals early; the choreography amplifies the novelty appeal and keeps energy high throughout.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment to help students internalize the groovy 60s feel and to maintain tempo consistency during dress rehearsals.

How to use it

Position this as a show-stopper in the second half of your winter concert, especially after a set of traditional holiday carols. The high-energy choreography and comedic payoff give audiences a chance to laugh and reset before any closing pieces. It also works as a standalone performance at holiday assemblies or pep rallies where you want to showcase choral artistry with personality.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing in 2-part and 3-part voicing
  • Rock and pop style phrasing and rhythmic precision
  • Coordinating vocals with choreographed movement
  • Comedic delivery and ensemble acting techniques
  • Maintaining steady groove and pulse in contemporary music

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