I Don't Remember Christmas (From "Starting Here, Starting Now"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This single song appears in a curated collection specifically designed for singers preparing auditions and performances at a professional level. The transcription is authoritative, drawn directly from the original vocal score, and paired with practical audition guidance including 16-bar cut suggestions. For a song like "I Don't Remember Christmas," having the correct key, accompaniment voicing, and context from a trusted source removes guesswork and builds confidence.

The song carries a wistful, introspective quality that sits comfortably in the intimate storytelling tradition of contemporary musical theater. There's a conversational ease to the melody paired with the weight of genuine reflection, creating space for the singer to bring vulnerability and honesty to the performance.

This is for singers preparing auditions, compiling recital material, or studying Broadway songs in their authentic form. Whether you're a voice student building an audition book or a professional singer wanting songs transcribed exactly as they appear in the original scores, this collection serves singers across experience levels who value accuracy and context.

• Study the lyrical content and character arc of the song before focusing on the melody; understanding what the character is feeling about Christmas sets the emotional foundation for authentic phrasing.
• Pay attention to the piano accompaniment as written; it establishes the song's harmonic language and supports the vocal line in ways that matter for both rehearsal and performance.
• Use the 16-bar cut suggestion provided to prepare a shorter version for auditions, but practice the full song to understand its complete arc and emotional journey.
• Balance the song's reflective quality with clear diction; the lyrical content deserves to be heard, and the accompanying harmony supports that clarity when sung with intention.

Include this song in a recital or audition set where you're exploring contemporary musical theater standards. Its introspective character pairs well alongside other character-driven songs from Shire's catalog or from musicals that prioritize emotional storytelling over spectacle.

• Singing in the song's original key with appropriate vocal weight and range
• Interpreting lyrical content and translating emotional subtext into performance choices
• Reading and working with piano/vocal scores in authentic Broadway transcription
• Applying audition-specific techniques, including executing suggested cuts while maintaining song integrity