Can't Wait for Christmas: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Wagner crafts novelty pieces that genuinely deliver on their promise: this one bounces along with syncopated rhythms that feel current and playful rather than gimmicky, and the chorus sits so naturally in the voice that singers want to repeat it. Programming a crowd-pleasing holiday number doesn't mean sacrificing musicality, and this piece proves that idea in just twelve pages.

Infectious and buoyant, with the kind of syncopated lift that makes you feel the holiday rush. The catchy chorus lands immediately and sticks, while the festive orchestration (when paired with the optional instrumental parts) wraps everything in genuine celebration rather than cliché tinsel.

This piece sits perfectly for mixed-ability choirs looking for a seasonal opener, crowd-pleaser, or concert finale. Middle school and high school choirs will find the two-part voicing accessible, while the rhythmic vitality keeps mature singers engaged. It's equally at home in school concerts, holiday pops programs, and church performances seeking contemporary holiday energy.

• Lock the syncopated rhythms in rehearsal by clapping the part-specific rhythmic patterns separately before singing them; the syncopation is the soul of this arrangement, and clarity here pays off immediately.
• Balance the parts so the melody lands clearly while the supporting voice remains engaged and rhythmically locked; this isn't background material, and your singers will feel the difference when both parts drive forward.
• Lean into the tempo and energy. Wagner's show-stopper label is earned through forward momentum, not a sluggish walk through the verses.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, let it set the groove in early rehearsals so singers internalize the rhythmic feel before you strip it away for a cappella work.

Position this as an early-program energizer to set a bright tone before moving into more reflective holiday fare, or save it as a finale that sends the audience out smiling. The upbeat character and accessible two-part writing also make it a solid choice for a winter concert pops medley, where its rhythmic personality will shine among other seasonal selections.

• Reading and executing syncopated rhythms
• Balancing two-part harmony while maintaining rhythmic independence
• Sustaining energy and forward momentum through repetitive material
• Interpreting contemporary, rhythmically driven choral writing