Sing We Now of Christmas: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Albrecht layers this beloved carol so that every voice part moves purposefully, avoiding the static harmony that can make processional music drag. The optional flute and percussion parts give you flexibility to expand the sound without overcomplicating rehearsal, and the recorded accompaniment means you can rehearse independently or add it at concert time for a polished finish.

Warm and processional, with a gentle forward motion that invites movement without rushing. The added voices create shimmer and depth around the familiar melody, giving singers a sense of participating in something larger than themselves.

This arrangement suits school and church choirs of mixed ranges and abilities who want to program a recognizable Christmas favorite without extensive rehearsal time. The layered texture works particularly well for treble-heavy ensembles or groups transitioning from unison into simple part-singing, since Albrecht's counterlines are intuitive and singable.

• Balance the counterlines carefully in rehearsal by having non-melody voices sing out at half tempo, then gradually reintegrate the melody so the ear learns where each line sits in the texture.
• If you add the optional flute part, have the flute player double the highest line for the first verse, then step back into a true countermelody in subsequent verses to maintain clarity.
• Use the recorded accompaniment during early rehearsals to lock the harmonic foundation; once your voices are secure, rehearse a cappella to build independence and intonation confidence.

Open a holiday concert with this piece as a processional, allowing singers to enter and settle into position while the audience hears the familiar tune. It also bridges well between a full choral set and instrumental or spoken interludes, giving your program breathing room while keeping the festive energy alive.

• Singing independent harmonic lines while maintaining awareness of the melody
• Balancing parts in a layered texture to achieve clarity without sacrificing blend
• Following a conducting pattern during processional movement while maintaining pitch
• Coordinating with optional instrumental parts (flute, percussion) in rehearsal and performance