Hanukkah Hayom! Cover Image

Hanukkah Hayom!: SAB Choral Octavo

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Hanukkah Hayom! Cover Image

Hanukkah Hayom!: SAB Choral Octavo

Traditional Hanukkah Song / arr., with English words, by Michael Larkin

Item: 00-47597

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Description
An authentic celebration of the holiday. This arrangement of the traditional Hanukkah song allows you to choose between the original Hebrew text and a poetic text in English. Lyrical verses focus on lighting the candles, and the dance-like refrain grows even more joyful when embellished with a soaring upper harmony near the end.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Hanukkah Hayom!: SAB Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081542904
SKU: 00-47597

More about this title

About the Arranger: Michael Larkin

Michael Larkin

Michael Larkin brings three decades of choral leadership to his work as both conductor and composer. His tenure as chair of the Vocal/Choral Department at the Music School of Delaware established him as a voice pedagogue and choral advocate, roles he continues through his direction of the New Ark Chorale, a respected ensemble in the Delaware Valley, and his ongoing work as Director of Music Ministry at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Wilmington.

As a baritone soloist, guest conductor, and festival clinician, Larkin has become known for his command of diverse musical idioms. With over 300 compositions published by major American houses, his catalogue spans choral, vocal, piano, and orchestral works, reflecting both his creative range and his deep understanding of what singers and ensembles need.

Why we love this

Larkin's arrangement respects the melody's authenticity while giving three-part mixed choirs real harmonic interest. The flexibility to perform in Hebrew or English text opens programming possibilities without sacrificing musical integrity, and the soaring upper harmony added to the refrain creates a moment of genuine uplift that feels earned rather than simply loud.

What to expect

Warmth and momentum build as the piece unfolds, moving from the intimate reflection of the lighting ceremony into jubilation. The added upper harmony transforms the final refrain into something almost transcendent, capturing both the spiritual significance and the celebratory joy that define Hanukkah.

Who it's for

SAB choirs preparing for winter or year-round programming that values cultural authenticity and musical substance. This piece works equally well for community choirs, Jewish music ensembles, interfaith celebrations, and school choirs looking to deepen their holiday repertoire beyond standard secular seasonal material.

How to get the most out of it

  • Highlight the contrast between the lyrical verses and the dance-like refrain by adjusting articulation: shape the verse phrases with sustained legato, then sharpen the rhythmic clarity when the refrain kicks in.
  • Balance the soprano line carefully when the upper harmony enters near the end; this countermelody should soar but never overpower the primary melodic line that altos and tenors carry.
  • If using the recorded accompaniment, have singers locate their part entries by ear during early rehearsals before relying on the track, so they develop secure independence with the melody.

How to use it

Position this as a standalone feature in a winter concert, or pair it with other Jewish heritage pieces to create a program segment that educates and celebrates. The twelve-page length and straightforward SAB voicing make it manageable alongside larger works, and the option of Hebrew or English text allows you to match the language choices of your other holiday programming.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing in Hebrew language (or strengthening English diction in a festive context)
  • Three-part mixed voicing with clear part definition
  • Dynamic contrast between verse and refrain sections
  • Blend and balance when harmonic texture thickens in the final section

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