Rudolph On The Housetop: Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK00464911
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About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw has spent decades shaping choral music education across North America and Europe, earning recognition in 45 states and countries including Canada, Australia, Sweden, Italy, and Germany. He holds degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University and a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. His teaching combines rigorous musicianship with infectious humor, a philosophy evident in everything from his work founding the acclaimed COS Vocal Jazz Ensemble to his mentorship under legends like Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks.
Shaw's compositional output speaks for itself: over 2500 choral arrangements and compositions in print, nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide, and regular ASCAP recognition. Beyond his directorial roles at Colorado State University, the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and Southern Oregon University, he cofounded Just 4 Kicks, a four-man jazz a cappella ensemble, and recently co-created Scroogical, an original musical adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol with his wife, Markita.
Why we love this
Shaw's gift for comedic timing and vocal writing shines in this medley; the mashup format gives you permission to have genuine fun while still landing a polished performance. The energy is contagious without being cartoonish, and the humorous approach actually makes singers more committed to their parts because they understand the arrangement's playful intent.
What to expect
A gleeful collision of two beloved melodies wrapped in Shaw's trademark wit. The energy is high and infectious, designed to make both singers and listeners grin from the first downbeat. It's the kind of arrangement that reminds people why holiday concerts matter: pure communal joy.
Who it's for
Holiday concerts seeking a secular, crowd-pleasing opener or finale that works for singers at intermediate skill levels and above. Ensembles that value audience engagement and want a break from reverent Christmas fare without sacrificing musicality.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the tempo buoyant and consistent throughout; the humor lands only when the rhythm section maintains rock-solid pocket
- Balance the blend between the mashup sections so both tunes register equally rather than letting one melody overshadow the other
- Shape the comedic moments with precise dynamics and articulation; don't rely on just making people laugh with corny expression
How to use it
Place this early in your concert to establish an uplifted mood, or close the first half with it to send the audience back from intermission smiling. It pairs well with a mix of reverent and contemporary holiday selections, serving as an effective tonal contrast.
Skills your students will build
- Quick melodic shifts between two distinct themes
- Rhythmic precision in pop/contemporary styles
- Ensemble blend across texture changes
- Comic timing and intentional phrasing for humor