Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: SAB Choral Octavo
Words and music by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane / arr. Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0006373
$2.10
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
It's been covered by everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Muppets, but the classic heartfelt Christmas ballad was originally composed for none other than Judy Garland. Jay Althouse retains the timeless and unaffected character of the original song in this no-nonsense arrangement, evoking warm feelings and a touch of nostalgia.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0006373
More about this title
About the Composer: Hugh Martin
Hugh Martin composed "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" alongside lyricist Ralph Blane for the 1944 film "Meet Me in St. Louis," where it became Judy Garland's signature holiday number. Martin's gift for straightforward, emotionally resonant melodies shaped American popular song throughout the mid-20th century, and this particular composition has endured as one of the most recorded Christmas standards in history.
Why we love this
Jay Althouse's SAB arrangement honors the song's original simplicity without oversimplifying it. The orchestration and voice leading preserve what made this a Garland showstopper while making it accessible to developing choirs, and the 8-page format allows you to program a complete, satisfying performance without padding.
What to expect
Nostalgic yet never maudlin, this setting captures the bittersweet quality of the original. It has the warmth of a memory shared with others, a moment of connection that feels earned rather than forced.
Who it's for
Choirs at intermediate to advanced levels will find this arrangement singable without sacrificing musical dignity. It suits community choirs, holiday concerts, and school ensembles looking for a genuinely moving seasonal piece that audiences recognize and singers respect.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melodic line to reflect the lyrical content. The opening measures benefit from gentle rubato that acknowledges the song's reflective mood before settling into a steady tempo.
- Avoid oversinging the arrangement. The strength of this piece lies in its directness; let the familiar melody and honest voice parts speak clearly rather than reaching for theatrical effects.
- Balance the three parts so the sopranos carry the tune without drowning out the harmonic support. In SAB voicing, the altos and basses create the foundation that makes the melody land.
- Consider the acoustic properties of your performance space. This arrangement works best when voices can project warmth without strain, especially during the lyrical passages.
How to use it
Position this as the emotional centerpiece of a holiday concert rather than one item among many. Its 8 pages and straightforward charm allow it to stand alone or anchor a thematic set of seasonal music that balances joy and reflection.
Skills your students will build
- Singing a sustained melodic line with phrase direction in 3-part mixed voicing
- Balancing SAB harmony where sopranos carry the primary melody
- Interpreting popular song style within a choral context
- Maintaining lyrical expression while managing longer note values and rests