Sing We Now of Christmas: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Hayes's arrangement elevates this beloved carol beyond a simple chorale setting. He crafts dynamic vocal writing that gives every section meaningful moments while anchoring the piece with a sophisticated piano part and orchestral color. The piece builds from accessible to genuinely impressive, making it rewarding for both strong choirs and those still developing their blend and independence.

Radiant and celebratory. The familiar melody anchors the listener while Hayes's harmonies and orchestral writing add warmth and festive sparkle. There's a sense of occasion here—this feels like the carol you've known forever, now dressed in concert hall finery.

This octavo works for choirs with solid blend and basic part independence. Auditioned choirs will find it rewarding; developing ensembles can still succeed with thoughtful preparation. Directors seeking substantial Christmas repertoire that feels both familiar and freshly conceived will return to this piece year after year.

• Balance the choir's entrance against the chamber orchestration. The instruments should enhance rather than overshadow your singers; use rehearsals to find the sweet spot where all voices bloom together.
• Shape the phrasing through dynamic contrast. Hayes's writing invites crescendos and releases that bring out the carol's joyful character without sacrificing clarity.
• Prepare your accompanist to lead the ensemble confidently. The piano part carries harmonic weight and rhythmic drive; ensemble cohesion depends on secure partnership between pianist and director.

Reserve this for your winter concert finale or as a program anchor where the combination of choir, piano, and instruments can shine without competing with heavy repertoire. The piece's exuberance and accessibility make it equally at home in a sanctuary concert or traditional holiday concert series.

• Blending voices across four parts while maintaining textural clarity
• Responding to dynamic and expressive direction that extends beyond basic crescendo and decrescendo
• Listening to and balancing with an ensemble (piano and chamber instruments), not just the choir section