Gettin' Ready for Santa Claus: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Albrecht and Althouse have crafted a piece that transforms a familiar carol into an engaging two-part experience without requiring singers to master intricate counterpoint first. The partner song approach allows younger or less experienced treble groups to build confidence in harmony work gradually, while the rockin' accompaniment keeps the energy high and reminds singers that Christmas repertoire doesn't have to feel precious. The included movement and staging give directors a complete package for a concert moment that entertains both performers and audiences.

Bouncy and bright, with a contemporary rockin' groove that keeps the spirit of the original carol while pushing it into modern territory. The energy is celebratory and playful, inviting singers to move and have fun rather than deliver a polished, reverent performance.

Beginning treble choirs gain an accessible entry point to two-part singing through a song they already know. Older or more experienced groups can use it as a fun, low-stakes concert novelty that appeals to audiences and offers a refreshing break from traditional holiday fare.

• Learn the new partner melody separately first, using the SoundTrax CD or piano accompaniment to establish rhythm and pitch before layering the familiar tune.
• Incorporate the choreography from the start of rehearsals rather than as an afterthought; movement solidifies ensemble cohesion and makes the two-part texture feel more intuitive.
• If performing with the recorded accompaniment, rehearse with it early and often so singers develop confidence matching the energy and groove of the track.
• Balance the two melodic lines in the combined sections by having singers emphasize diction and shape, not volume; the arrangement is designed to let both parts shine without one drowning the other out.

Slot this into the lighter portion of your holiday concert where you want to shift the mood and invite audience smiles. Its partner-song structure and choreography make it an ideal bridge between more formal carols and your program's closing numbers.

• Two-part harmony from a familiar melodic foundation
• Coordination of melody with movement and staging
• Rhythm and groove listening through recorded accompaniment
• Independence within a simple harmonic texture