Nuttin' for Christmas: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Carl Strommen's arrangement walks the line between authenticity and accessibility, preserving the irreverent charm of the original while keeping the vocal writing manageable for developing singers. The novelty factor is genuine—students genuinely enjoy performing this, which means they'll actually engage with the material rather than tolerate it.

Playful and mischievous, with a winking sense of humor that appeals to young singers. The arrangement feels contemporary without demanding advanced vocal technique, making it feel achievable and fun rather than intimidating or overly saccharine.

Choirs with singers in grades 2-5 who are ready for accessible pop repertoire with personality. This works especially well for school choirs performing winter concerts or holiday festivals, and for directors seeking material that bridges classical training with contemporary music students actually want to sing.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the opening sections; the humor lands only when the delivery is tight and confident.
• Let the 2-part texture shine by balancing clarity between the two vocal lines rather than blending them into uniformity.
• Lean into the storytelling quality of the lyrics; young singers who understand they're narrating a kid's scheme will bring natural energy to the piece.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in the groove and understand the original song's character if students aren't familiar with it.

Position this as a contrast piece in a holiday concert to break up more traditional seasonal selections and showcase your singers' ability to handle style and character. It's also an excellent opener or closer that leaves audiences smiling and engaged, especially effective at family-friendly events where humor and accessibility matter.

• Rhythmic precision in pop and contemporary styles
• Balancing two independent vocal lines without losing clarity
• Expressive interpretation and character work through text
• Confidence performing accessible popular music repertoire