Making Christmas (from The Nightmare Before Christmas) (arr. Mark Brymer): SAB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the quirky charm of this Danny Elfman classic while keeping the vocal writing accessible for developing singers. The three-part texture gives every section a meaningful line, and the pop sensibility makes this feel contemporary even within a holiday concert context.

The tune has the infectious, slightly mischievous energy of Tim Burton's world. It bounces forward with rhythmic vitality while maintaining an underlying sweetness that makes the holiday sentiment genuine rather than saccharine.

This arrangement works for middle school through adult choirs looking for a modern holiday selection that connects with contemporary musical tastes. It's especially strong for ensembles with solid rhythmic foundation and the ability to sustain pop phrasing without classical vibrato.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the opening measures; this arrangement thrives when entrances are clean and synchronized across all three parts.
• Lean into the rhythmic groove. This isn't a traditional carol, so encourage singers to feel the pulse and lock their rhythms rather than treat it as a ballad.
• Balance the upper voices carefully during the section where sopranos carry the melodic hook. Altos should support without overwhelming.

Pair this with one or two traditional carols to create a thoughtful holiday concert that spans musical idioms. Its moderate length and contemporary flavor make it an ideal bridge piece between classical and modern repertoire.

• Rhythmic independence in pop and contemporary styles
• Blend and balance in three-part mixed voicing
• Sustaining rhythmic precision across repeated melodic figures
• Stylistic phrasing appropriate to pop and musical theater idioms