Gettin' In The Mood (For Christmas) (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the infectious groove of Setzer's original while making it genuinely singable for young choirs. The 2-part voicing keeps the jazz feel intact without overwhelming developing singers, and the holiday context gives choirs a contemporary swing number that actually excites audiences instead of sounding like every other December concert.

Sophisticated swing energy dressed up for the holidays. There's a playful sophistication here; the arrangement feels like a holiday party thrown by people with great taste in music. The groove is infectious, the melody sits comfortably in the voice, and the whole thing radiates warmth without sacrificing musical substance.

Any choir looking to add contemporary holiday repertoire that actually connects with modern singers and audiences. This works especially well for programs mixing traditional carols with jazz and pop styles, and it's accessible enough for developing 2-part choirs while interesting enough to engage stronger singers.

• Lock in the rhythmic pocket from the downbeat. This arrangement lives and dies by steady, confident time; rushed tempos drain the groove.
• Shape the phrases with dynamic contrast rather than volume alone. Setzer's phrasing relies on subtle inflection and articulation changes to drive the swing feel.
• Emphasize the jazz articulation in the rhythm section or instrumental parts if available. Clean, precise attacks will lift the whole sound.
• Let the arrangement breathe in the softer passages. The contrast between restrained and full energy makes the big moments land harder.

This pairs beautifully in a holiday concert that features both classic and contemporary material. Position it where you need a stylistic shift and an energy boost, or use it as a closer if you want the program to end with joy and movement rather than reverence. The 15-page length and 2-part voicing make it efficient to prepare without derailing your rehearsal calendar.

• Swing rhythmic articulation and phrasing
• Jazz vocal style and interpretation
• Maintaining groove and steady tempo
• Blend and balance in contemporary harmony
• Confidence with syncopated rhythmic figures