Sing We Now of Christmas (arr. Kirby Shaw): Choral Instrumental Pak

Kirby Shaw's arrangement takes a familiar tune and injects genuine style into it. The jazzy rhythm section treatment modernizes the carol without losing its warmth, and the new lyrical content keeps audiences engaged even if they think they know the piece inside and out. This works beautifully as a concert opener because it signals to your audience that holiday music doesn't have to be predictable.

Modern and buoyant, with a wink toward jazz traditions while keeping the carol's intrinsic warmth intact. The arrangement walks the line between contemporary and nostalgic, giving it broad appeal without sacrificing personality.

Holiday concert choirs looking to move beyond standard arrangements. This works for treble, mixed, or rhythm-voicing ensembles that have solid musicianship and can handle syncopated figures comfortably.

• Lock in the rhythmic pocket with your rhythm section early in rehearsal. The jazz inflections will feel looser only after the ensemble has internalized the groove together.
• Shape the new harmonies intentionally. Creative voicings can sound muddled without clear diction and supported tone.
• Balance the soloists against the ensemble if the arrangement features featured voices. These moments should feel like a conversation, not a spotlight moment competing with the rest of the choir.
• Consider the energy arc of your holiday program. This arrangement's contemporary feel positions it as a natural transition piece if you're programming both traditional and modern selections.

Open your holiday concert with this. The upbeat character energizes the room immediately, and its familiar melody hooks the audience while the fresh arrangement signals that your program will offer substance alongside sentiment. Pair it with a slower, more traditional carol later in the concert for programmatic contrast.

• Reading syncopated rhythms in a jazz context
• Blending with a rhythm section accompaniment
• Executing clean diction at a moderate to fast tempo
• Balancing ensemble tone with creative harmonic movement
• Responding to jazz-influenced phrasing and style