Hydom, Tiddlydom: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo
Traditional Czech Carol / arr., with new words, by Mark Burrows
Item: 00-PO-0006013
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
The word “hydom” mimics the drone of bagpipes. The word “tiddlydom” represents the rhythm of the drum. This traditional Czech carol onomatopoetically recreates the sounds of these festive instruments with a cappella charm and brilliance. The English text recounts shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, and the little child. In the middle, a contrasting legato section lets the beauty of the voices shine before returning to playful choral textures. Simple parts for hand drum and tambourine are included.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0006013
Instrumentation:
Percussion
More about this title
About the Arranger: Mark Burrows
Mark Burrows brings decades of experience conducting and composing for choirs of all ages and abilities. His catalog spans children's ensembles, adult choirs, and intergenerational festival groups, earning placement on state and festival lists while generating commissions year after year. He earned his undergraduate degree in music education from Southern Methodist University and completed graduate studies in conducting at Texas Christian University, grounding his work in both pedagogical depth and artistic vision.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Burrows currently serves as Director of Children's Ministries at FUMC, where he applies his expertise directly to the choirs and young musicians in his community. His published works appear through major music houses, reflecting a compositional voice rooted in accessibility without sacrificing musical substance.
Why we love this
Burrows captures the mischievous spirit of this Czech carol by using onomatopoeia as the structural backbone, letting your singers discover the bagpipe drones and drum rhythms through pure vocal texture rather than relying on orchestration. The contrasting legato section in the middle proves he understands pacing and the emotional arc of a piece, giving your choir a moment of beauty before the playfulness returns. The included percussion parts (hand drum and tambourine) are simple enough that even singers can contribute, making this a genuinely accessible performance vehicle for groups wanting authentic festive color.
What to expect
Playful and brilliantly clever, the opening sections buzz with kinetic energy as overlapping vocal rhythms mimic the drone of bagpipes and the attack of drums. The middle legato passage offers respite, inviting listeners (and singers) into a moment of grace before the celebratory texture resurfaces, leaving everyone satisfied and smiling.
Who it's for
This octavo suits SATB choirs seeking a Christmas piece that is both festive and genuinely rewarding to perform. It works especially well for community choirs, church choirs, and school groups that want something with character beyond the standard carol fare but without extreme technical demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Teach the 'hydom' and 'tiddlydom' sections with a focus on rhythmic precision and tonal blend; these onomatopoetic moments only work when the sections lock together as a unified instrument.
- Shape the legato section with longer breath lines and warmer vowel colors to create genuine contrast and invite the audience into the emotional center of the carol.
- Have your drummers and tambourine players mark their parts clearly and attend at least one full rehearsal to feel the pulse and know when they enter; simple parts can be undermined by uncertain entrances.
How to use it
Place this as the opening or closing number of a Christmas concert to set a joyful, contemporary tone while honoring a traditional source. Its relatively compact length and festive character also make it ideal for holiday variety shows or intergenerational events where accessibility and joy matter as much as polish.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in ensemble settings with repeated ostinato patterns
- Blend and balance across SATB voicings within a cappella texture
- Tone control and vowel consistency when sustaining onomatopoetic vocal effects
- Coordinate with added percussion while maintaining a cappella focus