Holiday Jazz!: Choral SoundPax

Shaw's gift for writing scat vocabulary that's both singable and genuinely swinging makes this an ideal first scat experience for developing choirs. The pairing of holiday material with authentic jazz phrasing gives students real musical content to learn from, not just a novelty piece. Add in Shaw's choreography printed right in the score, and you have a complete performance ready to excite an audience.

The piece swings with genuine jazz energy while keeping holiday warmth at its core. Scat syllables dance playfully over the arrangement, creating an infectious groove that's modern without feeling disconnected from the season's tradition. There's humor and joy woven throughout, inviting both singers and listeners to enjoy music-making in a relaxed, conversational way.

This arrangement works best for developing and intermediate choir programs looking to introduce jazz vocabulary and scat singing in a structured, pedagogically sound way. High school and middle school choirs benefit from the accessible ranges and clear part writing, while recreational adult choirs enjoy the holiday context and the chance to learn a contemporary vocal jazz idiom.

• Start scat syllables slowly and deliberately; students need to hear the shape and swing of each phrase before tempo increases. Isolate the scat section in early rehearsals and use call-and-response to build confidence.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, play it in rehearsal from the beginning so singers internalize the groove and pocket before adding their parts. This grounds the melody against a real rhythm section feel.
• Work the choreography in short sections, pairing movement gestures with specific musical moments. Shaw's staging is designed to reinforce the arrangement's jazz texture, not distract from it.
• Balance the scat voices carefully; they should be present enough to swing but not so loud they obscure the melody or harmony underneath.

Slot this as a concert opener or first-act finale to set a contemporary, energetic tone for your holiday show. Its combination of approachable scat and seasonal appeal makes it ideal for mid-winter programs where you want to balance traditional carols with something that reflects how choirs actually use jazz today. Consider programming it alongside straight-ahead holiday standards to show range and keep audiences engaged.

• Scat singing fundamentals and jazz phrasing vocabulary
• Swing rhythm and groove awareness
• Ensemble blend in a jazz context
• Rhythmic precision with syncopated rhythms
• Stage movement and performance presentation
• Call-and-response listening and response patterns