Dancing in Bethlehem Cover Image

Dancing in Bethlehem: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

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Dancing in Bethlehem Cover Image

Dancing in Bethlehem: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

Words by Cathryne E. Parks, music by Gary E. Parks

Item: 00-A-00015278

$26.99
Digital Download
Description

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-A-00015278

More about this title

About the Composer: Gary E. Parks

Gary E. Parks has built a distinguished career as a composer and arranger for choral ensembles at all levels. His work across sacred and secular genres demonstrates a gift for crafting accessible yet musically engaging pieces that serve the classroom and concert stage with equal effectiveness.

Parks understands what choir directors need: music that excites singers, connects with audiences, and fits within realistic rehearsal timelines. His catalog spans everything from festival anthems to holiday selections, each one written with practical musicianship in mind.

Why we love this

Parks captures the wonder of Christmas through accessible choral writing that doesn't sacrifice musical interest. The recorded accompaniment frees you from finding a rehearsal pianist and gives your singers a professional sound to lock into, making this ideal for groups preparing holiday concerts on a tight timeline.

What to expect

Warm and celebratory, with a melody that sits comfortably in the voice while the accompaniment creates a lively, modern texture. The piece invites singers and listeners into a moment of joy that feels both familiar and fresh.

Who it's for

Church choirs, school choral groups, and community ensembles building Christmas programs. This works equally well for treble-focused choirs, mixed ensembles, and directors seeking repertoire that balances holiday tradition with contemporary choral arranging.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the melody line across your section voices; the accompaniment will anchor the harmonic foundation, so focus rehearsal energy on clear diction and phrase shaping in the vocal parts.
  • Let the recorded track set a stable tempo early in rehearsals so singers internalize the groove before adding expressive details.
  • Mark phrase breathing points during the first run-through; the accompaniment won't pause for breath, so your singers need to plan staggered breathing to maintain the line.

How to use it

Slot this into the second half of a holiday concert, after you've established the season's more solemn moments. It pairs naturally with traditional carols or other contemporary sacred pieces, and its moderate length makes it an excellent choice for programs balancing multiple selections.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing over a recorded accompaniment with rhythmic precision
  • Maintaining ensemble blend in contemporary harmonic contexts
  • Phrasing and breath management in longer melodic lines
  • Diction clarity in sacred text

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