Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree with Jingle Bell Rock: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes captures the infectious energy of 1950s pop without oversimplifying the voicing or arrangement. The two-part writing sits comfortably for a range of high school and community choirs while the swing style and doo-wop touches give singers something genuinely fun to sink their teeth into. At just over three minutes, this medley packs personality and nostalgia into a tight package that works beautifully as a concert closer or a rehearsal mood lifter.

Stepping into a 1950s sock hop with a contemporary twist. The swing rhythm feels effortless and playful, the doo-wop moments land with nostalgic charm, and the whole piece radiates joy without a hint of pretension. Singers feel like they're performing something cool and slightly rebellious, even as the part writing keeps everything singable.

This arrangement suits high school and community choirs looking for an upbeat, audience-friendly holiday number that doesn't require advanced vocal technique or extensive rehearsal time. Singers ages 14 and up will enjoy the retro style and theatrical potential, and the two-part voicing makes it accessible to developing ensembles while remaining musically satisfying.

• Anchor the doo-wop falsetto section by having your singers listen closely to the recorded accompaniment; the tuning in those passages relies on hearing the harmonic context clearly.
• Shape the swing feel by thinking "laid-back" rather than "rushed." Let the rhythm section breathe and your singers will follow naturally.
• Lean into the theatrical elements. Santa hats and jingle bells aren't afterthoughts here; they're part of what makes this arrangement sing. Build in some simple riser choreography during rehearsal to match the energy of the music.
• Balance the two melodies in the medley transition by having a brief pause or conductor's gesture that resets the feel. This keeps the arrangement from feeling stitched together.

Perfect as a finale or penultimate selection on a winter concert, especially if your program includes other holiday standards or secular pop arrangements. The energy and showmanship potential make it an ideal anchor for a second half that celebrates the season without leaning heavily on reverent material. It also works well for holiday pops concerts, winter assemblies, or community events where fun and engagement matter as much as vocal polish.

• Singing in swing style with rhythmic precision and laid-back phrasing
• Blend and tuning in doo-wop harmony passages
• Reading two-part writing with clear voice independence
• Connecting choreography and staging to vocal performance
• Sustaining energy and character across a fast-paced medley structure