I Do Believe In Christmas: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Optimistic and grounded. The piece opens with a conversational quality that draws listeners in before building into something fuller and more jubilant. There's nothing overwrought about it; the emotion comes from directness and sincerity rather than arrangement excess.

Elementary and early middle school choirs looking for contemporary Christmas repertoire that feels fresh without being cynical. This works equally well in festival settings, holiday concerts, or secular school programs that need music with genuine warmth.

• Balance the melody between the two parts during the verses; younger choirs often weight everything to the top line out of habit.
• Establish clear breath points before rehearsing, particularly in longer phrases, so singers aren't gasping for air mid-line.
• Record a quick keyboard guide track if you don't have strong accompaniment resources; having a reference helps young singers develop secure intonation across the divisi sections.

Pair this with a more traditional carol to create meaningful contrast in your winter concert. It also works beautifully as a closer because its straightforward joy leaves audiences feeling lifted without demanding a massive dramatic buildup.

• Singing sustained lines while maintaining clear vowel production
• Secure intonation in two-part divisi writing
• Balancing individual part awareness with blended ensemble sound
• Phrasing across longer musical lines without breath interruption