Once Upon A December (from Anastasia) (arr. Audrey Snyder): SAB Choral Octavo

Audrey Snyder's SAB voicing opens this iconic ballad to choirs with developing singers without sacrificing the song's emotional power. The arrangement preserves the wintry nostalgia of the original while creating moments where each voice part has something genuinely musical to contribute, making it rewarding for performers and audiences alike.

Crystalline and wistful, like frost catching lamplight. The song unfolds as a memory surfacing, delicate at first, then gathering warmth and recognition as Anya remembers who she truly is.

This arrangement works for SAB choirs ranging from high school mixed ensembles to community and church choirs seeking an accessible winter program piece with emotional substance. It suits singers who connect with contemporary musical theater and need a song that sounds elegant without requiring soprano-heavy power.

• Let the alto line breathe independently in the verses; it often carries the harmonic color while the sopranos anchor the melody.
• Shape the phrase toward Anya's moment of remembrance rather than pushing forward mechanistically. The story matters as much as the notes.
• Balance the accompaniment so it supports without overwhelming three voices that may not have the power of a larger ensemble.

Place this as an emotional centerpiece in a winter concert, especially if your program includes other contemporary musical theater selections. It also pairs naturally with classical seasonal repertoire, creating an engaging contrast in a mixed program.

• Singing with sustained legit tone across a moderate range
• Maintaining independence in SAB voicing while blending with other parts
• Interpreting character and emotional narrative through musical choices
• Managing dynamic control in passages that move between introspection and fuller orchestration