Holiday Lights: 2-Part (with Opt. Flashlight Choreography) Choral Octavo

Albrecht's gift for combining accessible choral writing with theatrical staging creates a piece that energizes both performers and audiences without requiring complex choreography or extensive rehearsal time. The optional flashlight element transforms a simple concert moment into something visually memorable; directors can use her included staging suggestions or the recorded accompaniment as a launching point for their own creative ideas. This is the kind of novelty piece that actually works in performance because the music stands on its own while the staging simply amplifies the fun.

The upbeat energy of Holiday Lights creates an infectious, celebratory mood that lifts an audience from the moment the first chord sounds. Colored flashlights swept across the stage in rhythm with the music feel magical without being overwrought, and the piece maintains genuine musical substance beneath its theatrical surface. Students feel empowered singing this because it's designed to be genuinely enjoyable rather than patronizing.

This piece serves choirs of all levels who want a holiday concert feature that combines music with visual appeal, especially programs that include younger singers or mixed-age ensembles. Directors seeking accessible 2-part literature that doesn't sacrifice musicality for novelty will find this a solid choice. The optional choreography makes it equally valuable for concert-focused choirs who skip the staging or youth groups eager to incorporate movement.

• Experiment with the flashlight colors during rehearsal so students understand how to hold and move them without losing focus on their singing; practice the staging separately from the music first, then integrate gradually.
• Balance the festive energy with clear diction and solid 2-part blend; novelty shouldn't mean sloppy singing.
• Have students practice the choreography in a darkened or dimly lit room to see how the colored tissue paper actually catches light and to build confidence before performance.
• Consider the recorded accompaniment as your rehearsal partner; it establishes the upbeat tempo and moods Sally intended for the staging sequences.

Place this as a midpoint feature in your holiday concert to shift the energy and mood without dropping the musical quality; it works beautifully between more traditional sacred or secular selections. The piece also functions well as a concert closer if you want to send audiences out with brightness and joy. Consider programming it earlier in the year for winter assemblies or community events where its visual and musical appeal will make an impression on general audiences.

• Sustained singing while executing choreography and managing a prop
• Blend and intonation in 2-part texture
• Rhythmic coordination between singers and accompanying music
• Stage presence and confidence in performance
• Interpretation of tempo and dynamic changes cued by recorded accompaniment