Once Upon A December (from Anastasia) (arr. Audrey Snyder): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Audrey Snyder's arrangement opens this iconic winter ballad to singers of all levels without sacrificing its wistfulness. The two-part voicing sits comfortably while preserving the song's tender character, making it ideal for holiday concerts that need sophistication without technical barrier. You get a piece that feels substantial and memorable, not like filler.

Hushed and dreamlike, with the quality of a memory returning. The melody floats above gentle supporting harmonies, evoking snow falling quietly in moonlight. It's introspective without being sad, nostalgic without being heavy.

Middle school and high school choirs seeking accessible Broadway material with genuine musicality. Newer singers benefit from straightforward voicing and a familiar tune, while experienced ensembles can find depth in its harmonic subtlety and emotional restraint.

• Let the legato line breathe naturally; resist the urge to push tempo. The magic lives in space between phrases.
• Balance the two parts so neither disappears. This isn't soprano-centric writing, and equal attention to both voices reveals the harmonic richness.
• Shape dynamic curves within your phrases rather than singing at one volume. The melody deserves gentle swells that follow its contour.
• Consider light vibrato in sustained passages to add warmth without sacrificing blend in the ensemble.

Anchor a winter concert with this song as a bridge between holiday pops and art song repertoire. Its theatrical origins paired with its genuine lyricism make it perfect for mixed programming or as the emotional centerpiece of a Broadway-themed set.

• Sustaining long phrases on breath control
• Singing legit Broadway style without oversinging
• Balancing two independent melodic lines
• Shaping melodic contours with dynamic intent rather than dynamic marking alone
• Blending vibrato within a choral texture