Ready, Set, Christmas!: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Althouse delivers genuine Broadway energy without sacrificing singability or ensemble balance. The 2-beat style keeps the piece moving with infectious joy, while the optional kazoo and instrumental parts give every student in your program a moment to contribute to the holiday celebration—and that practical inclusivity is what makes directors reach for his work year after year.

Bright, bouncy, and unapologetically festive. The piece captures that Broadway swagger while keeping the melodic line front and center, so singers feel supported rather than buried. There's a playful spirit throughout, especially when the ensemble picks up those kazoos.

Middle school and high school choirs looking for an accessible, high-energy holiday opener that welcomes participation from instrumentalists. This works especially well for programs where you want to feature young band and orchestra students alongside singers without requiring complex arranging or separate rehearsals.

• Establish a clear, steady 2-beat foundation in early rehearsals; the Broadway style depends on rhythmic precision and forward momentum.
• Designate your strongest readers for the instrumental parts so they can guide the younger band and string players confidently through the 4-measure sections.
• Use the recorded accompaniment during sectional rehearsals so singers can internalize the energy and style without waiting for full ensemble runs.
• Keep the kazoo moment lighthearted but organized; a quick run-through before the performance prevents chaos and builds anticipation.

Lead with this as your concert opener to set an upbeat, joyful tone immediately. Its short duration and familiar holiday appeal also make it an excellent choice for winter pep rallies, school assemblies, or as a transition between concert segments. The kazoo moment gives your audience a shared laugh and reminds everyone why holiday concerts matter.

• Singing in a 2-beat Broadway style with confident rhythmic articulation
• Coordinating with instrumental ensemble members in a mixed-instrument setting
• Building awareness of lyrical phrasing while maintaining an upbeat tempo
• Blending vocal parts in a homophonic texture with clear melody and accompaniment