Kirby Shaw's influence extends across North America and Europe, where he has led workshops and clinics in 45 states plus Canada, Australia, the Bahamas, Sweden, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, 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. Shaw's teaching style combines technical rigor with infectious humor, a quality that has made him a sought-after conductor and clinician.
With over 2500 choral works in print and nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide, Shaw stands as one of the most prolific composers in choral music education. His career spans founding and directing acclaimed vocal jazz ensembles at multiple universities, earning ASCAP awards, and collaborating with jazz legends including Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks. Beyond composition, Shaw co-created the musical adaptation Scroogical with his wife Markita, bringing fresh energy to a timeless story.
Why we love this
Shaw understands what makes holiday music work in a school setting: infectious energy, accessible voicing, and genuine fun. This arrangement captures rock and roll spirit within a framework that 2-part singers can own and enjoy, rather than merely survive.
What to expect
Imagine a classic rock groove meeting Christmas joy. The piece carries the swagger and drive of retro rock music while keeping the festive spirit front and center, creating an energy that feels both celebratory and genuinely fun to perform.
Who it's for
Choirs with mixed ability levels will find the 2-part voicing inclusive and rewarding. This arrangement works well for middle school through early high school groups seeking contemporary holiday material with genuine appeal to student singers.
How to get the most out of it
Commit to the rhythmic drive from the first rehearsal. Rock style needs forward momentum; resist the urge to pull back on tempo even in softer sections.
Let the accompaniment lock in before layering the vocal parts. A solid instrumental foundation gives singers confidence and clarity in their own lines.
Shape the dynamics around the energy arc, not the vocal range. This piece builds momentum intentionally, so phrase endings shouldn't collapse just because the note sits lower.
Encourage rhythmic precision in the percussion and rhythm section. Tight kick drum and bass work elevate the entire performance and make the singers sound more polished.
How to use it
Slot this into your winter concert as an opener or mid-concert pick-me-up. The contemporary energy makes it an excellent bridge between traditional carols and secular holiday fare, and its rock foundation appeals to students who might otherwise tune out the holiday concert entirely.
Skills your students will build
Singing with rhythmic precision in a contemporary pop/rock style
Maintaining steady tempo and groove while singing 2-part harmony
Balancing vocal dynamics in non-traditional accompaniment contexts
Interpreting stylistic articulation appropriate to rock idiom
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