Gonna Catch That Santa: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher, music by Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0007959
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Look out, Santa, you're about to get caught in the act! That's right, sneaky kids everywhere are hatching a plan to "catch that Santa man" as he delivers the presents on Christmas Eve. Though they're trying to keep it quiet, the catchy tune, swingin' rhythms, and ingenious ideas often cause these young secret agents to get carried away and sing it out! Don't miss the clever choreography on Alfred Music's new DVD, or the Big Band style SoundTrax. Staging is featured on "Follow Me to the Top!" DVD #23853.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007959
More about this title
About the Composer: Andy Beck
Andy Beck leads Alfred Music's choral publications division, where his work shapes the repertoire singers encounter every day. With more than 450 pieces in print, he has become one of the most performed choral composers of our time, backed by a steady stream of YouTube performances from ensembles worldwide.
Beyond the page, Beck is active as a guest conductor, choreographer, adjudicator, and clinician across the United States and internationally. He holds degrees from Ithaca College and Northwest Missouri State University and has served as an Alfred Music studio singer since 1992. His pedagogical contributions include the widely used method books Sing at First Sight, Foundations in Choral Sight Singing, and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique. Whether leading all-state honor choirs, directing musical theatre, or singing with the North Carolina Master Chorale, Beck consistently demonstrates that his commitment to choral artistry and music literacy flows through everything he creates.
Why we love this
Beck and Fisher have crafted something that works on multiple levels: the tune sticks immediately, the swing rhythms feel fresh without being difficult, and the built-in humor gives young singers permission to commit fully without self-consciousness. The addition of choreography and a Big Band SoundTrax elevates this from novelty song to a complete performance package that rehearses ensemble focus, rhythmic precision, and stagecraft all at once.
What to expect
The energy is conspiratorial and playful, like a group of kids actually whispering their plan before it spirals into full-volume excitement. Swing rhythms bounce throughout, creating a lightness that makes the novelty feel clever rather than silly.
Who it's for
Two-part choirs at the middle and early high school level will find this especially rewarding. Any program looking for a secular holiday piece with humor, rhythmic interest, and a performance hook will land on this repeatedly.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the swing rhythm early in rehearsal by isolating the backbeat and letting singers feel where the relaxation sits. Many young singers will rush straight eighth notes until the pulse clicks for them kinesthetically.
- Bring out the storytelling in the lyrics by having different voices take turns with phrases, especially in the verses. This keeps energy high and makes the 'catching Santa' plot move forward theatrically.
- Lean into the recorded accompaniment once parts are secure. The Big Band style arrangement does heavy lifting for groove and allows singers to focus on precision rather than holding down the harmonic foundation.
- Map out staging intentions well before dress rehearsal. The choreography works best when singers have muscle memory for their movements, freeing them to sing and react naturally to the comedy.
How to use it
This thrives in a holiday concert's second half, where audiences are warmed up and ready to laugh. It also works well as an opener if you want to set a fun tone immediately, or as the finale to send the audience out smiling. The 12-page length makes it manageable for programs juggling multiple holiday arrangements.
Skills your students will build
- Singing with swing rhythms and understanding backbeat placement
- Coordinate singing with choreography and stage movement
- Part independence in 2-part writing with interlocking rhythmic figures
- Rhythmic precision and ensemble blend in a novelty context
- Diction clarity with comedic intent and character commitment