March of the Kings: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Hayes transforms this traditional tune with marcato scoring that creates visceral excitement without sacrificing the carol's inherent dignity. The dramatic interjected "ahs," combined with the high descant writing, gives singers immediate architectural decisions to make, elevating the piece beyond a straightforward seasonal selection. Programming this arrangement alongside either instrumental accompaniment or the SoundTrax recording delivers a concert moment that feels both festive and sacred, striking a balance many directors struggle to achieve.

Triumphant and ceremonial, with moments of ethereal beauty. The marcato articulation gives the piece momentum and clarity, while the descant soars above in a way that evokes processional grandeur. The added "ahs" suggest pageantry and awe, creating a vivid musical tableau that feels both rooted in tradition and freshly reimagined.

Choirs seeking a Christmas or Epiphany feature with genuine musicality and technical interest. This arrangement suits ensembles comfortable with sustained marcato singing and divisi writing, making it ideal for church choirs, community choirs, and select high school or college programs looking to program sacred seasonal music that rises above typical carol arrangements.

• Prepare the marcato articulation carefully as an ensemble. Have singers practice the rhythmic precision on a single vowel before adding text, ensuring the full choir locks together and achieves the "remarkable impact" the arrangement promises.
• Bring the descant to the foreground without drowning out the lower voices. Balance the high range singers so the angelic quality registers in the hall without creating a thin, disconnected sound above.
• Shape the dramatic "ahs" with clear crescendos and releases. These moments mark the arrival of royalty and should feel intentional and grand, not accidental or sotto voce.
• If using the SoundTrax CD or optional instrumental parts, rehearse several times without accompaniment first. This ensures the choir builds its own rhythmic confidence before relying on recorded or instrumental support.

Position this as the centerpiece of a Christmas or Epiphany concert, or pair it with simpler carols to showcase Hayes's arrangement alongside traditional settings. The presence of instrumental accompaniment options makes it equally effective as a standalone concert feature or as part of a multi-movement program that includes lessons and carols.

• Sustained marcato articulation and ensemble rhythmic precision
• Singing divisi and navigating high range descant writing
• Shaping dramatic choral moments with intentional crescendo and release
• Balancing multiple vocal lines while maintaining textural clarity