Jazzy Saint Nick: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
Traditional / arr. with new words by Russell Robinson
Item: 00-PO-0000070
$1.65
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Pickup currently not available
Description
Who knew Jolly Old St. Nick was a jazzy cat? Swingin' rhythms, scat syllables, and "instrumental" new lyrics abound in this hip partner song arranged by Russell Robinson. Equally accessible and educational for 2- and 3-part choirs.
Jazzy Saint Nick: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0000070
More about this title
About the Arranger: Russell L. Robinson
Russell L. Robinson has built a reputation for creating accessible yet musically substantive arrangements that respect both pedagogical goals and performance quality. His work across choral idioms demonstrates a gift for modernizing familiar material without sacrificing its essential character.
Why we love this
Robinson's arrangement captures the irreverent spirit of jazz without sacrificing singability. The scat syllables and partner song structure make this work engaging for younger ensembles while offering genuine rhythmic and harmonic interest for more experienced singers. It's a standout winter piece that actually sounds fun to perform rather than simply festive.
What to expect
Irreverent and swinging. This arrangement strips away the reverence typically attached to St. Nick and replaces it with syncopation, scat, and humor. The piece bounces along with rhythmic vitality while maintaining enough musical substance to satisfy singers looking for real arranging craft.
Who it's for
Middle school through adult church and community choirs that want to program something contemporary and playful. Ensembles can perform it comfortably in either 2-part or 3-part voicing, making it adaptable to mixed ability levels within a single group.
How to get the most out of it
- Treat the scat syllables as precise rhythmic material. Lock them in with the same attention you'd give to any melodic line, since they drive the swing feel.
- Work the partner song sections slowly at first so singers can track which melody layer they're singing while hearing the other. Build tempo once the independence is solid.
- Use the recorded accompaniment early in rehearsal to establish the jazz groove and tempo feel. Let singers hear the idiomatic swing before worrying about blend.
- Shape the 'instrumental' new lyrics section with clear articulation and dynamic contrast. These moments need vocal personality to land the comedic intent.
How to use it
Perfect as an opener or closer on a winter concert; the humor and energy immediately set a relaxed, entertained tone. It also works beautifully paired with more traditional sacred Christmas repertoire to create programming balance that reflects how communities actually celebrate the season.
Skills your students will build
- Singing jazz articulation and swing rhythms
- Scat syllable accuracy and rhythmic precision
- Part independence in partner song arrangements
- Coordination of rhythmic complexity with melodic clarity