Figgy Pudding!: Choral SoundTrax CD

Gray's playful reframing of a holiday familiar transforms a worn-out carol fragment into a genuine learning tool disguised as fun. The canon structure does real harmonic work without ever feeling like drudgery, and the secular, story-driven approach to the topic (how do you actually make figgy pudding?) gives your choir something fresh to sing about in December.

Whimsical and warmly nostalgic, with a nod to Victorian England and the charm of folk traditions. The humor of the premise undercuts any stuffiness, and the transparent three-part structure lets each voice line sing out clearly while the harmonies layer in satisfying ways.

Choir directors looking for accessible holiday material that builds real harmonic literacy. This three-part canon works well with singers who have some experience with independent part-singing but need repertoire that rewards ensemble work without heavy technical demands.

• Stagger your entries clearly so each voice part can lock its melodic line before the next enters; this three-part canon depends on rhythmic precision and independence.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the harmonic foundation and give singers confidence in their individual parts before running full voices.
• Bring the old English Dickensian character to the foreground through clear diction and a sense of playful storytelling rather than rushing the tempo.

Pair this with other secular holiday selections for a non-religious concert segment, or use it as a palate cleanser between heavier repertoire. Its lighthearted tone and brief format make it ideal for a mid-concert pick-me-up or as an audience-friendly opener.

• Three-part canon singing with staggered entry coordination
• Independent melodic singing within harmonic contexts
• Diction and character in secular choral literature
• Listening to blend and balance across multiple vocal lines