It's Almost Time for Christmas: 2-Part Choral Octavo

This piece captures the genuine energy of kids waiting for Christmas, and that authenticity comes from a composer who spent three decades in elementary and middle school classrooms. The two-part texture keeps everyone singing meaningfully without creating separate skill tiers, and the straightforward melodic writing lets students focus on the holiday spirit rather than technical hurdles. It's the kind of song that doesn't need rehearsal to win a room.

Pure, unfiltered Christmas anticipation lives in this song. The melody bounces with the restlessness of children who cannot wait for December to arrive, and the harmonies wrap around that energy with warmth and fun. You'll hear genuine excitement, not saccharine nostalgia.

Elementary and middle school choirs at all ability levels will connect with this piece. The two-part voicing accommodates mixed-voice ensembles without requiring extensive part independence work. Singers who are still building confidence with music reading benefit from Donnelly's singable, logical melodic lines.

• Emphasize the rhythmic snap in the melody; this song thrives on rhythmic clarity and forward motion that mirrors the restless excitement of children counting down the days.
• Balance the two parts so neither overwhelms the other. Donnelly wrote both lines to carry equal weight, and hearing both melodies clearly will highlight the song's craftsmanship.
• Use dynamics to build anticipation across the piece. Subtle crescendos and strategic softer moments mirror the emotional arc of anticipating something wonderful.

Place this early in a holiday concert to establish an upbeat, celebratory mood. Its accessibility makes it ideal for mixed-ability choirs or as a warm-up moment before more complex repertoire. Consider pairing it with a slower, more reverent Christmas selection to show range in your programming.

• Two-part singing with independent melodic lines
• Rhythmic clarity and forward phrasing
• Diction and articulation in a straightforward pop style
• Dynamic control and expressive shaping
• Ensemble balance between equally weighted vocal parts