Emily Crocker spent fifteen years teaching music across all grade levels in Texas public schools before moving into publishing. She joined Hal Leonard in 1989 and eventually became VP of Choral Publications, a position she held until her retirement in 2017 after nearly three decades with the company.
Beyond her publishing work, Crocker founded and directed the Milwaukee Children's Choir from 1994 to 2009, later serving as Director Emeritus. She also established the Vocal Arts Academy of Milwaukee, which she directed from 2009 to 2015. Her original compositions and arrangements have been performed internationally; her reputation rests largely on choral instructional materials that balance musicality with pedagogical clarity. She now lives in Fort Worth, Texas, where she continues composing and supporting the arts.
Why we love this
Crocker knows what works in the rehearsal room, and this arrangement reflects that practical wisdom. The SSA voicing opens the piece to choirs still building confidence in three-part singing, while the familiar melody ensures accessibility without sacrificing musical substance. Your singers will feel the joy in the writing itself, not because of arrangement tricks, but because Crocker has crafted something genuinely singable.
What to expect
Warm and inviting rather than overly sentimental. The arrangement preserves the carol's essential character while adding textural interest through counterpoint and harmonic color, creating something that sounds fresh to singers and audiences familiar with the tune.
Who it's for
SSA choirs ranging from middle school through community levels who want a Christmas offering that feels contemporary in its arrangement but comfortable in its vocal range. Directors programming a secular holiday concert will find this equally at home in a multi-faith context or as part of a traditional Christmas program.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the harmony voices with the melody so the tune remains audible; SSA voicings can blur if the sopranos carry too much weight
Shape the phrasing through breath placement rather than tempo changes; this keeps the festive energy moving forward
Adjust dynamic layers between sections to highlight structural points and maintain listener engagement across ten pages
How to use it
Place this alongside one or two other carols to build a substantial holiday section without overwhelming your concert. It pairs well with both traditional and contemporary secular Christmas material, and its moderate length makes it a natural choice for the body of a winter concert rather than a closer.
Skills your students will build
Reading three-part soprano harmony in treble clef
Balancing melody and supporting voices
Shaping musical phrases across multiple stanzas
Diction clarity in festive, energetic material
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