Gettin' Ready for Christmas: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Albrecht and Althouse have written a piece that feels like a celebration rather than another holiday obligation. The energy is infectious, the melodic hooks land immediately, and the 2-part voicing sits comfortably on young voices without sacrificing fullness or sophistication. The optional movement and staging elements mean you can keep it simple or lean into the fun, depending on your group and venue.

This piece radiates holiday excitement without a trace of sentimentality. The rhythmic drive bounces forward like anticipation itself, and the lyrics capture exactly what kids feel in December: snow, presents, and the urge to move. The full-sounding harmonies give young singers the satisfaction of singing something substantial.

Young singers in grades 4-8 who are ready to tackle two-part writing but thrive on contemporary, high-energy material. Directors seeking a showpiece for holiday concerts that feels fresh rather than traditional, and that students actually want to perform.

• Establish the rock groove early in rehearsals. The rhythmic drive is what makes this piece irresistible, so lock in the pulse before worrying about blend.
• Layer the movement suggestions gradually. Start with small gestures or choreographed moments during rehearsal, then expand as confidence builds.
• Use the recorded accompaniment in early rehearsals to let singers hear how their parts fit into the full arrangement, then transition to piano or keyboard.
• Keep the energy lifted through the second verse. Young singers often lose momentum on a second section; anchor them with a clear conducting gesture or physical cue.

Open your holiday concert with this energetic statement, or position it as a high-spirited second number to shift the mood after a more lyrical opening piece. The contemporary style and obvious fun factor make it an ideal choice for engaging families new to choral concerts, especially when combined with movement or staging that involves the audience.

• Reading and performing two-part harmony in a contemporary style
• Responding to rhythmic drive and groove-based conducting
• Coordinating singing with choreographed movement or staging
• Building confidence in performance through high-energy, accessible material