Gift Wrap Riot: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Beck has an instinct for writing novelty numbers that feel genuinely fun rather than forced, and this one captures that perfectly. The hand jive choreography is built into the piece itself rather than tacked on as an afterthought, and the included ChoreoTrax video means you're not decoding vague stage directions alone. Directors who have made holiday humor a signature of their concerts will find this sits at exactly the right energy level.

Pure, unfiltered joy underscored by propulsive rhythm and playful motion. The piece captures that chaotic, gleeful moment when wrapping paper explodes everywhere and nobody cares about the mess. It's lighthearted and infectious, built on hand jive patterns that let singers move with purpose and personality.

This works perfectly for middle school and high school choirs looking for a high-energy secular holiday piece that engages students in movement and performance fun. The accessible two-part voicing makes it accessible to beginning choirs while the choreography and novelty appeal keeps experienced singers engaged and enthusiastic.

• Teach the hand motions and vocal line simultaneously rather than sequentially. Students learn the choreography faster when they're singing and moving from day one, and the physical memory reinforces the vocal line.
• Watch the ChoreoTrax video early in rehearsal so students see the full vision before they learn individual parts. Choreography that's demonstrated clearly creates fewer questions later.
• Layer in the recorded accompaniment once vocal parts are secure. This piece benefits from the rhythmic drive of the full arrangement, which will energize the hand jive.

Slot this into a holiday concert where you want to shift energy from reverent to celebratory, or use it as your finale to send the audience out smiling. If your school performs multiple holiday shows, this novelty number gives each concert a distinct personality and works especially well in programs that mix serious and secular selections.

• Synchronizing choreographed movement with vocal ensemble singing
• Maintaining ensemble rhythm while executing hand motions
• Building confidence in novelty/novelty repertoire performance
• Following a conducted beat while executing choreography
• Two-part harmonic listening in a rhythmically active context