Emily Crocker spent 15 years teaching music in Texas public schools across all grade levels before transitioning to publishing. She arrived at Hal Leonard in 1989 and shaped the company's choral catalog as VP of Choral Publications from 2000 until her retirement in 2017, leaving a 29-year legacy of work that reached thousands of teachers and students.
Beyond her publishing career, Crocker founded and directed the Milwaukee Children's Choir from 1994 to 2009, earning the title of Director Emeritus in recognition of her impact. She also established the Vocal Arts Academy of Milwaukee from 2009 to 2015. As a composer, her pieces have been performed across the globe, and her reputation rests on her skill in creating choral materials that serve both instructional and artistic purposes. She now composes from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, continuing her support of music education.
Why we love this
Crocker's arrangement captures the warmth and accessibility that made her one of the most trusted voices in choral publishing. The piece balances genuine musical interest with the kind of singability that keeps singers engaged and audiences moved, without requiring virtuosic ranges or complex harmonic writing.
What to expect
The piece radiates the simple contentment of a well-known carol reimagined with fresh harmonic color. Singers experience the satisfaction of delivering a clear, resonant message while audiences receive a performance that feels both sincere and polished.
Who it's for
High school and community choirs looking for a straightforward holiday arrangement with genuine musicality. This works equally well for choirs with limited rehearsal time or those seeking a piece that doesn't demand specialized vocal technique.
How to get the most out of it
Bring clarity to the text by establishing clean consonants in unison passages; the joy of the message depends on the audience hearing every word.
Balance the SATB texture by checking that inner voices sit slightly lighter than the outer voices, allowing the melody to shine without drowning out harmonic support.
Shape phrase endings with slight ritardandos rather than sudden dynamic drops; let the music breathe and settle naturally into cadences.
How to use it
Feature this as the opening number on a holiday concert to establish an inviting, joyful tone. Its modest length and straightforward character make it ideal for singers to prepare quickly while still offering substantive musical content alongside more elaborate seasonal pieces.
Skills your students will build
SATB voice part independence
lyrical phrasing in sacred text
clear diction in unison passages
blended ensemble sound across mixed voices
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