Dave Barnes is a singer-songwriter and producer whose work spans contemporary Christian music and pop. He has collaborated with major artists across multiple genres, bringing a craftsman's approach to melody writing and harmonic sophistication. His compositions for ensemble settings demonstrate a keen ear for accessible yet engaging musical ideas that work well in educational contexts.
Why we love this
Mac Huff's arrangement captures the warmth of a contemporary holiday song without oversimplifying the harmonic language. Two-part voicing here means real musical substance, not a stripped-down version; the part writing creates genuine independence and keeps singers engaged with interesting material throughout.
What to expect
There's an intimacy here, a feeling of gathering close with someone on a quiet winter evening. The arrangement balances contemporary ease with enough harmonic color to feel special, never straying into saccharine territory. It's the musical equivalent of a moment that feels both familiar and meaningful.
Who it's for
This works for developing choirs that need accessible material with genuine musical substance, or for experienced groups looking for a contemporary holiday piece that doesn't feel juvenile. The two-part setting is flexible enough for middle school through early high school ensembles, and the modern harmonic language appeals to singers who connect with current songwriting.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the melody between your two parts during unison passages by having singers listen across the ensemble rather than locking into their own line.
Since this is only 9 pages, memorization becomes feasible and frees singers to focus on dynamics and phrasing that sell the song's emotional arc.
Work the recorded accompaniment into rehearsals early, but spend time on the piece acoustically first so your singers own the harmony before adding the full production sound.
Pay attention to any sustained notes or longer phrase endings; even at a lighter concert level, shaping these moments with breath control makes the difference between pretty and compelling.
How to use it
Pair this with one traditional and one upbeat secular holiday piece to create a modern-to-classic concert arc. The modest page count and contemporary style make it ideal for a winter concert where you want to show your singers' range in repertoire and keep the program flowing without heavy classical lifting.
Skills your students will build
Independent part singing in two-part textures
Phrase shaping and dynamic control in contemporary song
Harmonic awareness in modern chord progressions
Ensemble blend and balance across sustained passages
Expressive interpretation of contemporary sacred-secular material
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
