Gettin' In The Mood (For Christmas) (arr. Roger Emerson): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the swagger and rhythmic vitality of the original without demanding vocal gymnastics from your singers. The three-part voicing sits comfortably across mixed ensembles, and the jazz inflections give your holiday concert a fresh alternative to traditional carols. Your audience will recognize the tune immediately, but the arrangement keeps them engaged with smart voice leading and a genuine sense of fun.

Upbeat and playful, with the kind of infectious momentum that makes people smile. The arrangement swings with a casual confidence, somewhere between a lounge number and a contemporary pop tune. It's holiday music that sounds refreshed, not obligatory.

Choirs seeking holiday repertoire that breaks from reverent traditions and connects with listeners through accessible melody and contemporary energy. This works for high school, college, and community ensembles that can handle jazz idioms and want to program something their audiences will genuinely enjoy.

• Nail the rhythm section first. The groove depends on precise articulation in the bass line and crisp attack on the chords; lock those elements before layering the melody.
• Balance the melody so it floats above the harmonic foundation. This isn't a unison moment; the supporting voices need definition without overshadowing the tune.
• Embrace the jazz vocabulary. Slight syncopation and a relaxed, conversational tone serve this arrangement better than precise classical phrasing.
• Lean into the swing feel. If your ensemble gravitates toward straight rhythms, remind them that the groove comes from a light bounce and forward momentum.

Position this early in your holiday concert to set an energetic tone that contrasts with more traditional selections later in the program. It pairs well alongside other jazz or pop holiday arrangements, or use it as a palate cleanser between reverent choral moments. The approachable three-part voicing also makes it a strong candidate for smaller ensemble performances or vocal jazz groups.

• jazz swing articulation and phrasing
• reading and singing syncopated rhythms
• voice independence in three-part harmony
• interpreting jazz stylistic markings and dynamics