Merry Xmas Everybody (arr. Rick Hein): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Joyful and infectious, with the kind of melodic hook that sticks with listeners long after the final note. The arrangement honors the song's rock and pop roots while giving it the clarity and control that choral singing demands.

Choirs looking for reliable holiday repertoire that resonates with audiences of all ages. The accessible two-part voicing makes it suitable for middle school through adult ensembles, and it works equally well in secular concert or community settings.

• Keep the rhythm driving and tight. This song lives on its pulse, so anchor your ensemble with a strong sense of groove rather than relying on conductor cues alone.
• Balance the two parts so neither dominates. The interplay between voices is part of what makes the arrangement work; neither line should disappear.
• Lean into the celebratory spirit without sacrificing clarity. Singers can have fun with this piece, but diction and blend still matter in a choral setting.

Place this in the second half of a winter concert where you want audience energy to spike. It pairs naturally with other contemporary holiday selections and offers a welcome contrast to more traditional carols earlier in the set.

• Singing in a pop and rock idiom with appropriate style and energy
• Maintaining rhythmic independence while blending in a two-part texture
• Connecting with contemporary repertoire and building concert programming skills