John Jacobson has spent decades building bridges between music education and community impact. His work with America Sings! Inc., the nonprofit he founded, has connected young performers with service opportunities that extend the reach of choral music far beyond concert halls. Recognized by President George Bush as a Point of Light award winner for this commitment, Jacobson earned his Bachelor's in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master's in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.
A prolific composer and arranger, Jacobson has created musicals and choral works performed by millions of young singers worldwide. His experience staging festival ensembles for Walt Disney Productions, directing NBC's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcasts, and contributing as Senior Writer for Music Express Magazine has shaped his understanding of what works in the rehearsal room and on stage. Today, through JJ and Me, Inc. and partnerships with E.C. Schirmer and Alfred Publications, his arrangements continue to serve music educators looking for repertoire that engages students while maintaining musical integrity.
Why we love this
Jacobson and Emerson have crafted an arrangement that sits comfortably in the 3-part mixed range without sacrificing harmonic interest or festive energy. The piece functions equally well as a concert finale or a seasonal fundraiser for your community service initiatives, giving your choir ownership of both the music and its message.
What to expect
Bright and affirming, with the kind of melodic accessibility that lets audiences in immediately while giving singers genuine phrases to shape. The arrangement balances warmth with a modern sensibility, avoiding overly sentimental arrangements while keeping the essential joy of the season intact.
Who it's for
Any choir director working with singers across multiple voice categories who wants a contemporary holiday piece that's approachable but still rewarding musically. This works for high school choirs, community ensembles, and motivated middle school programs looking to expand beyond standard yuletide fare.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the three parts by rehearsing them independently first. Pay particular attention to the inner voicing so it doesn't disappear under the melody line.
Anchor the piece rhythmically by having your accompanist play through sections without singers, then layer voices one part at a time to establish clarity.
Shape the phrasing around text stress rather than bar lines. Listen for where Jacobson and Emerson place key words, and let those moments breathe slightly.
Consider bringing in soloists for a verse or two before full ensemble enters. This creates dynamic contrast across the seven pages without adding repertoire.
How to use it
Open a holiday concert with this piece to establish an energetic but inclusive tone for the evening. Alternatively, use it as a bridge piece midway through a program to reset the room's energy after a heavier selection, or save it for a closing sing-along that invites audience participation.
Skills your students will build
Balancing three-part harmony in contemporary voicings
Shaping text intelligently across longer phrases
Navigating rhythm patterns specific to holiday repertoire
Blending parts with equal weight distribution
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