Dancing in Bethlehem: SATB Choral Octavo
Words by Cathryne E. Parks, music by Gary E. Parks
Item: 00-PO-0000996
$1.80
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Join the dance of nativity visitors by singing this lilting Christmas choral in 3/4 time. A graceful melody glides effortlessly over the jaunty accompaniment, which includes several sweet jazz sonorities. An optional tambourine part is included.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0000996
More about this title
About the Composer: Gary E. Parks
Gary E. Parks has built a substantial catalog of accessible choral music that balances musical interest with practical performance requirements. His work appears regularly in festival schedules and holiday concert programs, where directors appreciate his gift for writing melody that sits naturally in the voice while maintaining compositional integrity.
Why we love this
Parks writes choral music that singers genuinely enjoy performing. The combination of 3/4 meter with jazz harmonies feels fresh without demanding arrangement-reading sophistication, and the optional tambourine part gives you flexibility depending on your ensemble's instrumentation and comfort level.
What to expect
Graceful and buoyant at once. The melody drifts smoothly over a rhythmic, good-natured accompaniment that swings lightly rather than plods. You can almost hear the joy of nativity visitors in motion, caught between reverence and celebration.
Who it's for
SATB choirs looking for accessible Christmas repertoire with contemporary harmonic color. This works equally well for church choirs, community ensembles, and school groups who want something beyond traditional carols but without extreme vocal demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody line with consistent legato phrasing. The 3/4 meter wants a lilt, not a march, so encourage singers to float through phrase endings rather than landing hard on downbeats.
- Balance the accompaniment carefully so the jazzy sonorities enhance rather than overshadow the voices. The 12-page score will help you locate moments where the piano part moves to the foreground.
- If you're including the optional tambourine, rehearse it separately first, then layer it in once the choir has the melody and harmony secure. Tambourine rhythm can either blend with the accompaniment or gently punctuate the beat depending on your interpretation.
How to use it
Pair this with a more stately carol earlier in a Christmas concert to showcase range and versatility in your season's programming. The 3/4 meter and jazz voicings make it an ideal bridging piece between traditional and contemporary holiday music.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and maintaining compound meter (3/4) while aligning with jazz-inflected harmonies
- Balancing legato vocal production with a rhythmically active accompaniment
- Interpreting jazz harmonic language in choral context
- Ensemble blend when optional percussion is added