Deck the Hall and Swing It: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Althouse strips away the reverential weight typically attached to holiday repertoire and replaces it with genuine swing energy. The counterpoint built into those "Fa la la's" gives singers a chance to experience harmonic independence without drowning in complexity, and the recorded accompaniment lets your ensemble sound like they're trading phrases with an actual jazz combo.

Bright and playful, with the snap of a well-groomed big band arrangement. The swing rhythms give the melody room to breathe while the layered "Fa la la's" create a sense of musical conversation and shared humor among the singers.

Choirs seeking a holiday opener with personality rather than reverence. This works equally well for high school groups, college ensembles, and adult choruses that want to prove holiday music doesn't have to sound precious.

• Establish the swing feel early in rehearsals using the rhythm section track; have students tap the backbeat to internalize the groove before layering in harmony.
• Separate the jazz fantasia section from the familiar melody passages during warm-ups, drilling each layer independently so the counterpoint sits cleanly when performed together.
• Let the recorded accompaniment guide ensemble balance; because the rhythm section carries considerable presence, blend dynamics accordingly so voices pop without oversinging.

Place this early in a holiday concert to establish a conversational tone, or position it after a slower carol to create dynamic contrast. The recorded accompaniment makes it ideal for community performances where an instrumental ensemble isn't available.

• Singing swing rhythms with crisp articulation and precise subdivision
• Maintaining independent lines in counterpoint while hearing surrounding harmony
• Blending with recorded rhythm section accompaniment
• Stylistic interpretation of jazz phrasing and interpretation within a choral context