Lois Brownsey cut her musical teeth in Philadelphia's theater scene, studying guitar and performing across multiple genres before eventually stepping away from live performance in 1997. Her partnership with Marti Lunn Lantz spans decades and has produced a catalog of accessible choral works published by Alfred, ranging from seasonal pieces to world music collections. Beyond notation, Brownsey has lent her voice and compositional skills to commercial work, writing jingles for major brands. Today she remains embedded in the arts community in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, where she and her husband Kent operate Red Rock Recording Studios, a facility that has become home to numerous Alfred recording projects.
Throughout her career, Brownsey and Lantz have built a reputation for writing music that celebrates cultural diversity and seasonal moments in ways that feel fresh rather than formulaic. Their output spans everything from holiday novelties like "Santa Mash-Up" to thematic collections exploring nature and world traditions. This combination of theatrical sensibility, commercial savvy, and genuine engagement with multicultural repertoire shapes their approach to every project.
Why we love this
Brownsey and Lantz understand that holiday programming doesn't require choosing between fun and musicality. This collection lands in that sweet spot where singers get to enjoy themselves without sacrificing genuine musical content, and three-part mixed voicing makes it accessible to groups still building their soprano or bass sections.
What to expect
These arrangements capture the lightness and warmth of a holiday gathering where music is central to the mood. The novelty element brings playfulness without becoming gimmicky; you'll find yourself enjoying the musical journey even as you smile at the clever touches.
Who it's for
Choirs looking for repertoire that works equally well at winter concerts, casual holiday gatherings, or end-of-semester performances. The three-part mixed voicing serves groups of any size and makes it ideal for community choirs, school ensembles just beginning to explore part-singing, or directors seeking an alternative to standard carols.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the novelty elements with focused rehearsal on the harmonic structure; the fun lands better when everyone knows their part securely.
Let the recorded accompaniment guide initial rehearsals, but consider paring it back in final performances so the choir's voices carry the primary color.
Encourage singers to listen for the interplay between parts rather than sitting passively on their line; sectional entrances and layering create the arrangement's charm.
How to use it
Slot this collection into a holiday concert where it can follow or precede more traditional material, giving audiences a shift in energy and tone. The octavo format and digital download make it easy to pull individual titles for shorter winter programs or classroom performances.
Skills your students will build
Singing in three independent harmonic parts
Blending voices within a sectional line
Responding to stylistic variety across multiple arrangements
Clarity of diction in ensemble settings
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