Nothing Rhymes with Christmas: String Bass

Clever and conversational, with a jazz swagger that keeps things moving. The piece builds comedic momentum through repeated attempts at an impossible task, landing finally on a warm, sincere sentiment that makes the audience smile.

Choirs looking to add a crowd-pleasing holiday piece that works equally well for a traditional concert or a contemporary pop showcase. This works particularly well for groups that enjoy musical theater repertoire and want to program something that entertains without demanding serious dramatic chops.

• Lean into the humor without overselling it. The gags work best when delivered with conversational ease rather than exaggerated theatrical timing.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the groove and keep the jazz feel buoyant; the rhythm section drives the comedy.
• Highlight the lyrics clearly so the audience catches each failed rhyme attempt. Diction matters here for the punchline.
• Balance your ensemble sound so the comedic moments from individual singers or small sections read clearly without losing cohesion.

Program this as a palate-cleanser between heavier holiday selections or as a finale that sends the audience out laughing. It works especially well in a concert that mixes traditional and contemporary holiday music, signaling to your audience that you're not taking yourself too seriously.

• Interpreting lyrics for comedic timing and clarity
• Singing in a jazz idiom with rhythmic flexibility
• Balancing ensemble blend with solo or sectional moments
• Delivering humor through music without sacrificing vocal quality