Secret Santa: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher, music by Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0006454
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
"Whether I have you, or you have me, we're gonna put a Christmas present underneath the Christmas tree." This fun and funky '60s-inspired crowd-pleaser is nothing if not groovy. Brief spoken solos explain the rules of a secret gift exchange, backed up by easy-to-learn interjections sung by the choir. The irresistible ChoreoTrax choreography ties a big shiny bow on this holiday gift!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006454
More about this title
About the Composer: Andy Beck
Andy Beck directs choral publications at Alfred Music and has composed and arranged over 450 choral works, vocal resources, and children's musicals that are performed by singers across the globe. His contributions to music education extend beyond composition into pedagogical resources: he authored the widely used Sing at First Sight, Foundations in Choral Sight Singing, and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique. Beck holds degrees in Music Education from Ithaca College (Bachelor's) and Northwest Missouri State University (Master's).
Beyond his publications, Beck is sought after as a guest conductor, choreographer, adjudicator, and clinician. He has served as commissioned composer and guest conductor for honor choirs and all-state groups throughout the Southeast. As a tenor himself, he performs with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir and has been a studio singer for Alfred Music since 1992, bringing practical performance experience to everything he writes.
Why we love this
Secret Santa delivers infectious fun without sacrificing musical credibility. The '60s-inspired groove and spoken-solo structure give singers permission to have genuine fun while building ensemble listening skills, and the included ChoreoTrax choreography means your rehearsal doubles as movement staging that audiences will love.
What to expect
Secret Santa captures that playful, slightly tongue-in-cheek energy of 1960s pop, where humor and musicality go hand in hand. The combination of spoken sections and sung refrains creates comic timing that feels fresh each performance, while the groovy accompaniment keeps everything moving with joy.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking a holiday opener or closer that engages audiences without requiring complex staging or elaborate costuming. Middle school and high school choirs benefit most, though the accessible two-part writing and straightforward rhythms make it viable for community and adult choirs looking for a program standout.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the groove early by having the rhythm section lock the backbeat and feel the song's pocket before layering in vocal parts.
- Craft distinct character voices for the spoken-solo singers. Each person explaining the gift-exchange rules should sound conversational, not theatrical, to contrast with the sung interjections.
- Balance the choral interjections so they punch through without overwhelming the spoken sections; use dynamics to keep the focus on whoever is speaking.
- Learn and teach the choreography in short sections during the final rehearsals so movement reinforces rather than distracts from vocal accuracy.
How to use it
Place this in the second half of a concert to reset audience energy after more serious repertoire, or use it as the finale to send people out smiling. Its novelty nature and built-in choreography also make it ideal for holiday assemblies, pep rallies, or community events where choral music needs to feel accessible and entertaining.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in syncopated patterns characteristic of '60s pop
- Contrast between sung and spoken text delivery
- Ensemble blend and balance across multiple choral layers
- Movement integration with vocal performance
- Part-independence in two-part writing with rhythmic interjections