Pentatonix emerged as one of the most innovative vocal groups of the 21st century, winning the third season of NBC's The Sing-Off in 2011 and going on to become the first a cappella group to achieve multi-platinum status. Their signature approach blends intricate vocal layering, percussive beatboxing, and contemporary arranging sensibilities with both popular and traditional repertoire. For music educators, their arrangements serve as models of how classical material can be freshly interpreted while maintaining musical integrity and accessibility for student ensembles.
Why we love this
This arrangement preserves the devotional heart of the carol while infusing it with the precise blend of simplicity and sophistication that defines Pentatonix's arranging philosophy. The SAB voicing opens this beloved hymn to broader ensembles without sacrificing the lush harmonic character audiences know from Pentatonix's recordings. Students encounter real-world vocal production choices that feel current and inspiring, not like a dusty traditional arrangement.
What to expect
Serene and intimate, yet animated with modern vocal technique. The arrangement draws listeners into the carol's peaceful core while showcasing the brightness and precision young singers can achieve. There's a sense of timelessness meeting immediacy—a beloved melody speaks with a voice they recognize from contemporary music.
Who it's for
This octavo suits choirs seeking fresh yet reverent holiday repertoire for winter concerts, school assemblies, and community performances. It works equally well for intermediate choirs building confidence with a cappella singing and advanced groups wanting a vehicle for contemporary arranging study. Holiday programs that want to avoid purely traditional treatments will find this arrangement strikes a distinctive balance.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the texture between parts by rehearsing the soprano, alto, and bass lines separately first; this arrangement rewards clarity in each voice layer rather than blending everything into one wash.
Shape phrasing with subtle dynamic swells rather than sudden changes. The carol's meditative quality demands patience and breath awareness across longer phrases.
Lean into vowel consistency across the ensemble, especially during sustained passages. Clean vowel transitions will make the harmonic progressions land with the intended warmth.
If using recorded accompaniment or backing tracks, allow singers time to adjust to any stylistic choices in articulation or rhythmic interpretation before finalizing tempos.
How to use it
Consider this as your concert anchor during a holiday set that mixes classical and contemporary sacred music, or as a standalone piece for winter assemblies where you want to move audiences without overshadowing other selections. Its 10-page length and moderate difficulty make it appropriate for fall rehearsals when holiday programming begins, allowing ample time to polish the subtle vocal effects that make this arrangement shine. Pairing it with unaccompanied fare by other contemporary arrangers creates a coherent a cappella moment in your program.
Skills your students will build
Tuning complex three-part harmonies with minimal accompaniment support
Shaping long phrases with intentional dynamics and breath placement
Balancing independent melodic lines while maintaining ensemble blend
Interpreting contemporary arranging choices and articulation markings
Building confidence in a cappella performance within a devotional context
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