Extraordinary Merry Christmas: SATB Choral Octavo

This arrangement captures the infectious energy of the Glee version while giving your choir immediate access to a contemporary holiday sound. The pop sensibility keeps singers engaged without sacrificing choral musicianship, and the 11-page format suggests substantial melodic and harmonic development that rewards careful preparation.

Joyful and rhythmically propulsive, with the polish of an ensemble that lives inside pop music. The arrangement channels the celebratory spirit of the Glee recording while maintaining the harmonic sophistication that makes it satisfying for singers to perform.

Any SATB choir seeking contemporary holiday material that connects with modern audiences. This works equally well for concert choirs wanting to program something fresh and for show choirs looking to add a sophisticated pop number to their repertoire.

• Lean into the pop rhythmic feel throughout; straightforward execution of the written rhythms will create the laid-back groove this piece needs rather than a traditional choral approach.
• Balance the soprano and alto lines carefully during sustained passages so the harmonic color stays clear without either voice dominating.
• Use the recorded accompaniment strategically during rehearsal to establish the groove early, then gradually move toward a cappella sections if your arrangement includes them.

Place this early in a holiday concert to energize the audience and establish a contemporary mood, or use it as a closing number if your program is moving from traditional carols toward modern arrangements. It pairs well with acoustic or stripped-down holiday selections since it claims its own sonic territory.

• Singing pop-influenced rhythmic patterns and syncopation
• Balancing modern harmonic language with traditional SATB voicing
• Interpreting performance direction appropriate to contemporary commercial music
• Maintaining ensemble cohesion with rhythmic precision across all four parts