Christmas Time Is Here (arr. Robert Sterling): SSA Choral Octavo

Robert Sterling's SSA arrangement captures the tender intimacy of Guaraldi's original while giving singers a charming vocal line that feels conversational rather than showy. The harmony stays accessible yet maintains the gentle sophistication that made this tune a holiday standard, making it genuinely singable for choirs that aren't looking for vocal pyrotechnics but rather authentic warmth.

Nostalgic but never saccharine. The arrangement wraps listeners in the same gentle melancholy and quiet joy that made the original television special so memorable. It feels like sitting by a window on a winter evening with people you care about.

SSA choirs looking for seasonal repertoire that audiences recognize and enjoy without requiring extended technical demands. Directors programming shorter holiday sets or building concert depth with beloved standards will find this accessible and guaranteed to land well.

• Lean into the legit jazz phrasing rather than over-articulating. This tune lives in the space between pop and jazz, so resist the urge to make it too polished.
• Balance the melody against the harmonic movement in the lower voices. Sterling's arrangement gives supporting parts real musical interest, so make sure they're heard alongside the tune.
• Let the sweetness breathe by keeping the tempo unhurried. Guaraldi's originals never rush, and neither should you.

Pair this with other Guaraldi arrangements or seasonal jazz standards to create a sophisticated holiday segment that offers contrast to more traditional carols. It also works beautifully as a concert opener or closer, setting a reflective tone without demanding the intensity of heavier choral work.

• Singing jazz melodic contours and swing phrasing in a pop context
• Balancing a solo line against sustained harmonies
• Interpreting written music with stylistic authenticity rather than literal notation