Mrs. Claus!: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

A novelty number that actually earns its place in concert programming. Beery captures genuine humor and theatrical flair without sacrificing musical substance, and the flexibility to feature one soloist or rotate the "Mrs. Claus" role keeps ensemble singers engaged and gives multiple students their moment. The ragtime-inflected accompaniment options (with or without the SoundTrax CD) make this accessible for groups with varying technical rehearsal capabilities.

Witty and confident, with a vaudeville-meets-modern-pop energy that makes audiences smile. The piece bristles with rhythmic sass and clever harmonies that feel both nostalgic and thoroughly current, wrapped in a holiday novelty package that never undermines the singers' musicianship.

Treble choirs looking for a fun, theatrical holiday piece that gives soloists and ensemble members equal personality. This works especially well for middle school and high school ensembles with some staging experience or willingness to learn choreography, and for any group wanting to program something contemporary and fresh rather than traditional carols.

• Establish the comedic tone in early rehearsals by experimenting with spoken rhythmic elements and exaggerated articulation to lock in the piece's sassy character before adding the recorded accompaniment.
• If rotating the solo passages among multiple singers, block out clear transitions in sectional rehearsals so backup singers know exactly when they drop in and out without losing energy or focus.
• Coordinate movement and staging choices with your recorded accompaniment during dress rehearsal to ensure timing stays locked; the ragtime style has rhythmic snap that won't forgive sloppy entrances.
• Record a dry run with just voices (a cappella or with piano) before bringing in the full SoundTrax CD so singers internalize the melody and harmonic framework independently.

Anchor this as the showstopper moment in a winter concert, ideally positioned after more traditional repertoire so the tonal shift lands with full comedic impact. It also pairs well with a themed holiday show that leans into theatrical presentation and contemporary holiday material alongside classic carols.

• Stylistic interpretation of ragtime rhythms and syncopation
• Solo performance confidence and microphone technique with the recorded accompaniment
• Ensemble flexibility when rotating featured roles while maintaining group cohesion
• Coordinate movement, staging, and vocal production simultaneously
• Rhythmic precision in comedic articulation and phrasing