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Feel the Joy of Hanukkah: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

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Feel the Joy of Hanukkah Cover Image

Feel the Joy of Hanukkah: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

Words and music by Lois Brownsey and Marti Lunn Lantz

Item: 00-A-00015599

$27.99
Digital Download
Description

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-A-00015599

More about this title

About the Composer: Lois Brownsey

Lois Brownsey

Lois Brownsey and Marti Lunn Lantz have built a distinctive catalog of multicultural and seasonal choral works for Alfred, drawing on their combined expertise in musical theatre, world music, and accessible composition. Brownsey's Philadelphia roots and decades performing in pop, rock, and blues bands inform her collaborative style with Lantz; together they've created pieces including "Winter's Frost," "Japanese Snow Song," and "The Colors of Winter." Their work with song collections like Celebrations around the World and The Wonders of the Earth reflects a shared commitment to bringing diverse cultural voices into the rehearsal room.

Brownsey's background extends to commercial music (she has written jingles for major brands) and collaborative projects with other choral arrangers, including work with Sally K. Albrecht on Hanukkah repertoire. She and her husband, recording engineer Kent Heckman, operate Red Rock recording Studios in Pennsylvania, where many of their Alfred projects are recorded, giving them direct control over the quality and authenticity of accompaniments and arrangements.

Why we love this

This piece brings genuine joy to the Hanukkah season without resorting to overused melodies or thin arrangement. The composers understand what works in a school choir context: the music sits comfortably in singers' ranges, the text carries weight and meaning, and the accompaniment (available as a digital download) supports rather than overshadows the voices. Programs seeking an authentic, well-crafted alternative to standard winter repertoire will find this refreshing.

What to expect

Bright and warmhearted, with a genuine sense of celebration that feels earned rather than manufactured. The piece invites singers to connect with the joy of the holiday itself, creating an emotional resonance that comes through in performance. There's a quality of togetherness and light that's both musically accessible and emotionally authentic.

Who it's for

Choirs of mixed abilities looking for winter holiday music that acknowledges Jewish heritage and celebration. This works equally well in school, synagogue, or community choir settings where you want repertoire that's singable, meaningful, and honors the season without stereotyping or oversimplifying.

How to get the most out of it

  • Download the recorded accompaniment alongside the score; rehearse with it from the start so singers internalize the harmonic support and pacing rather than fighting against unfamiliar backing tracks in performance.
  • Balance the text clarity with the musical line. These composers write singable melodies, but the meaning of the words deserves attention in rehearsal; encourage singers to think about what joy they're actually conveying.
  • If you're using the available instrumental parts, rehearse the choir and instruments separately first, then layer them together gradually. This builds confidence in the singers before adding the full texture.

How to use it

Feature this in a winter concert's Jewish heritage segment, or program it as a standalone moment if you're building toward a diverse holiday celebration. The accessibility and emotional directness make it an excellent choice for family concerts or community events where audiences include people unfamiliar with Jewish music traditions but eager to learn.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing with musical clarity and intention in a cultural context outside their own traditions
  • Balancing harmonic blend while maintaining text intelligibility in a supported accompaniment
  • Responding to recorded accompaniment with rhythmic precision and ensemble awareness

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