Wham! emerged as one of the defining pop acts of the 1980s, with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael crafting infectious melodies and polished production that dominated radio and MTV. Their catalog remains a cornerstone of holiday programming, with "Last Christmas" becoming the unexpected standard that resurfaces every December. For music educators, Wham!'s approach to songwriting offers a masterclass in memorable hooks and accessible harmonic structures that engage both performers and audiences.
Why we love this
Gary Meisner's accordion adaptation captures the song's infectious energy while showcasing the instrument's capacity for rhythmic drive and textural warmth. The arrangement respects the original's melodic profile while creating something that feels genuinely suited to the accordion's voice, not simply transcribed from another voicing. Holiday concerts need pieces that connect with audiences instantly, and this delivers exactly that without requiring complex musicianship to execute effectively.
What to expect
Energetic and warmly nostalgic, this arrangement channels the original's pop sparkle through the accordion's naturally lyrical timbre. The accompanying figures propel forward with steady purpose while the melody sits comfortably in the instrument's expressive range, creating something that feels both celebratory and genuinely fun to perform.
Who it's for
Accordion students looking for contemporary holiday repertoire that feels both familiar and genuinely playable at intermediate levels. Teachers programming holiday concerts who want to feature accordion as a solo voice rather than relegating it to background texture.
How to get the most out of it
Anchor the steady eighth-note accompaniment pattern early in rehearsal; it's the groove that makes this arrangement sing, and precision here lifts the entire performance.
Shape the main melody with clear phrasing and thoughtful dynamic contours to avoid sounding mechanical, even as you maintain the crisp rhythmic feel.
Let the bellows articulation breathe naturally with the melody rather than fighting to create separation; this accordion version benefits from a conversational, almost vocal quality in the lead line.
How to use it
Place this as a solo feature within your holiday concert, or pair it with other upbeat seasonal selections to build momentum in the second half of the program. Its four pages and straightforward arrangement make it an ideal choice for community concerts, school fundraisers, or any context where you're looking to surprise and delight listeners with an unexpected instrumental take on a beloved song.
Skills your students will build
Maintaining steady rhythmic accompaniment patterns while supporting an independent melody
Balancing legato phrasing in the melody against precise articulation in the accompaniment
Controlling bellows pressure to support dynamic shaping across the full range
Interpreting pop idioms on an acoustic instrument with style and conviction
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