Christmas Valentine: SAB Choral Octavo
Words and music by Dave Barnes, Ingrid Michaelson, and Jason Mraz / arr. Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0006641
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
One moment…
Description
Looking for a fresh Christmastime charmer with just a touch of romance? Here's a sweet Ingrid Michaelson and Jason Mraz duet about the magic of love during the holidays. A light swing tempo plus some warm and fuzzy chords harken nostalgic feelings, while delightfully wholesome lyrics add a flirtatious wink. "I wanna make every day a holiday with you." A wonderful change of pace for seasonal programs.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0006641
More about this title
About the Composer: Dave Barnes
Dave Barnes is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and composer whose work spans pop, folk, and contemporary music. He has collaborated with artists across multiple genres and brings a distinctive sensibility to songwriting that balances emotional directness with melodic accessibility, making his compositions natural fits for choral arrangements.
Why we love this
Andy Beck's arrangement captures the song's inherent warmth without overshadowing the lyrical sweetness at its heart. The SAB voicing keeps this accessible for mixed ensembles while the light swing tempo and lush harmonies give your singers something genuinely fun to perform, not just another holiday standard.
What to expect
Warm, flirty, and nostalgic without ever feeling saccharine. The arrangement sits in a comfortable groove where swing rhythms and soft, fuzzy harmonies create an atmosphere that feels like a cozy holiday moment between two people enjoying each other's company.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking holiday repertoire that steps outside traditional sacred fare will find this appealing for mixed groups of any size comfortable with pop-influenced material. It works well for directors programming variety within a seasonal concert, especially those wanting a moment of levity and contemporary sensibility alongside more formal arrangements.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the swing feel with gentle rhythmic lift rather than strict tempo precision; let the natural lilt of the phrase carry the groove.
- Balance the SAB parts so the melody stays clear without the supporting voices fading into the background; these chords are too good to bury.
- Work dynamics thoughtfully around the lyrical arc, particularly where the flirtation builds; a slight swell into the "I wanna make every day a holiday with you" moments keeps the energy alive.
- If using the recorded accompaniment, have singers listen to it in rehearsal early so they understand where the swing lives rhythmically and can feel secure entering over the band texture.
How to use it
Place this after more substantial or formal holiday pieces to reset the concert's energy and mood. Its romantic, lighthearted character makes it an ideal bridge between serious seasonal repertoire and closing numbers, giving audiences a chance to smile before moving toward the finale.
Skills your students will build
- Singing with swing inflection and rhythmic nuance in a pop idiom
- Balancing melody and harmony in close-voiced SAB writing
- Shaping phrases for lyrical clarity and emotional intent
- Blending with a recorded accompaniment track
- Performing contemporary secular music with vocal control and ensemble cohesion