Counting Down to Christmas (from A Christmas Story: The Musical): SATB Choral Octavo

Greg Gilpin's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original while making it genuinely singable for SATB ensembles. The rhythmic drive and accessibility mean your singers stay engaged without sacrificing the Broadway polish, and the piece lands equally well in a holiday concert or a full theatrical production.

Bright, propulsive, and genuinely fun. The piece radiates anticipation and warmth without slipping into novelty; it's the kind of selection that energizes a concert and lingers with listeners after the final note.

Holiday directors looking for contemporary choral music that appeals to singers and audiences alike. This works for high school and college choirs who want something with Broadway credentials and immediate charm, as well as adult community ensembles seeking accessible seasonal repertoire with real compositional substance.

• Keep the rhythm section locked in tight. The recorded accompaniment provides a strong rhythmic backbone; have your singers listen to it in rehearsal so they internalize the groove rather than fight against it.
• Shape the melodic phrases with clear intention. Pasek and Paul write memorable hooks; let them breathe and land, especially in the higher moments where the sopranos carry the tune.
• Balance the parts carefully during rhythmic unison sections. When voices align on repeated figures, make sure no single part overwhelms the others so the overall texture stays unified and punchy.

Pair this with other contemporary holiday selections or classic carols to build programming variety. It works especially well in the second half of a concert as a mood shifter, or as an opener to set an upbeat tone. Consider programming it near other Broadway or theatrical selections if your concert has a pop-leaning theme.

• Navigating syncopated rhythms in a contemporary pop-Broadway style
• Balancing melody and harmony in arrangements designed for theatrical appeal
• Responding to recorded accompaniments while maintaining ensemble cohesion
• Projecting clear articulation in rhythmically driven, uptempo material