Early Christmas Morning: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Zachary Provost
Item: 00-PO-0007515
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Kids are gonna love singing about the unmatched excitement of "sneaking down to see the tree." This whimsical work tells the story through creative lyrics, dramatic dynamic shifts, and hushed stage whispers. A fantastic feature for your collaborative accompanist, the spritely piano part tiptoes through colorful chords, brilliantly depicting the exhilaration of Christmas morning!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0007515
More about this title
About the Composer: Zachary Provost
Zachary Provost grew up in Los Angeles with a deep love for the piano, beginning to compose while still in elementary school. His songwriting voice crystallized during high school after hearing Paul Simon's "American Tune," an experience that pushed him toward writing lyrics alongside his instrumental work. He has served as musical director for platinum artist Josh Groban and performed alongside Elton John, John Williams, Carlos Santana, and Willie Nelson. Grammy-winning producer David Foster has called him "a triple threat," praising the endless depth of his musicianship and his skills across songwriting, arranging, and production.
Provost continues to release original music, including his full-length album "Walk That Road" and the EP "Heart of the Moment." His work as both a songwriter and performer reflects a rare combination of compositional craft and live musicianship that informs every piece he writes for young singers.
Why we love this
Provost taps into the genuine joy kids feel on Christmas morning while avoiding saccharine sentiment. The dramatic dynamic shifts and stage whispers keep young singers engaged and playful, and the piano part is genuinely collaborative—it's colorful and inventive enough to make your accompanist excited to rehearse, not just competent in the moment.
What to expect
The piece captures that delicious moment of sneaking downstairs in the dark, heart racing with anticipation. The quiet, tiptoeing piano and hushed voices build genuine suspense, then burst into joy and excitement—the kind of musical storytelling that lets kids experience the narrative rather than just sing about it.
Who it's for
Elementary and middle school choirs looking for a secular Christmas piece that actually engages young singers. This works equally well for holiday concerts, classroom performances, or as a feature for choirs that want something with personality beyond traditional carols.
How to get the most out of it
- Treat the stage whispers as a vocal moment, not spoken dialogue. Coach singers to whisper on pitch and with clear articulation so the text lands for your audience.
- Work the dynamic contrasts deliberately in rehearsal. Mark them clearly in pencil and have singers echo your conducting gestures; the shift from hushed to excited needs to feel intentional, not accidental.
- Collaborate with your pianist on the tempo and character of the piece early on. The spritely accompaniment sets the mood, so lock that in together before adding the vocal line.
- Shape the opening phrases to match the stealth and tiptoeing the lyrics describe. Lower dynamics and forward vowels will keep the intrigue alive without losing projection.
How to use it
Open a holiday concert with this piece to set a playful, contemporary tone that contrasts beautifully with more reverent carols later in the program. Its lightness and humor also make it strong programming for mixed concert lineups where you want a secular holiday option with real charm.
Skills your students will build
- Dynamic contrast and control, especially in transitions from soft to bright dynamics
- Stage whisper technique and pitched speaking
- Part independence in 2-part writing with a rhythmically active accompaniment
- Lyrical interpretation and character development in secular choral music