Sounds Of The Season: SATB Choral Octavo
Sounds Of The Season Sheet Music Preview

Sounds Of The Season: SATB Choral Octavo

By Mark Hayes

Item: 35-DS00229404
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$3.25
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 17
SKU: 35-DS00229404

More about this title

About the Composer: Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes brings three decades of experience as a composer, arranger, and conductor to every project he undertakes. His catalog exceeds 1,750 published works across sacred and secular genres, piano, choral, orchestral, and theatrical music. Hayes earned his Bachelor of Music degree summa cum laude in Piano Performance from Baylor University in 1975 and has since become a sought-after guest conductor at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, the National Cathedral, and Carnegie Hall.

Recognition of Hayes's contributions to choral music culminated in the 2010 Award for Exemplary Leadership in Christian Music from Baylor University's Center for Christian Music Studies. His commissions and world premieres span the globe, from his Requiem at Lincoln Center in 2013 to a large-scale anniversary work for St. Paul's Co-educational College in Hong Kong in 2015. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Hayes continues to compose extensively for piano while maintaining active involvement in orchestration and music production.

Why we love this

Hayes's holiday arrangements consistently balance accessibility with musical substance. This octavo collection offers genuine choral writing rather than simplified retreads of familiar carols, making it rewarding for singers and audiences alike. The 17-page format provides enough material for a meaningful concert segment without overwhelming rehearsal schedules.

What to expect

Hayes's approach captures the emotional resonance of seasonal music without resorting to nostalgia or sentimentality. The writing honors both text and melody while creating moments of harmonic richness that feel earned rather than imposed.

Who it's for

Intermediate to advanced SATB choirs looking for concert-quality holiday repertoire that moves beyond standard arrangements. Suitable for festival performances, winter concerts, and groups comfortable with contemporary choral writing that respects the SATB medium.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the ensemble voicing by having singers mark their individual line clarity before blending; Hayes's arrangements often feature interweaving melodies that need distinct articulation to shine.
  • Establish a consistent tempo early in rehearsals since seasonal pieces often benefit from slight rubato in passages with text painting.
  • Layer the musical elements gradually during sectionals rather than drilling the full SATB sound from day one; this builds confidence in each voice part.

How to use it

Include this collection as the centerpiece of a holiday concert, programming selections strategically to create flow and variety. The 17-page scope allows you to choose individual pieces that complement other repertoire or perform the work as a unified suite within a larger program.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and balancing independent melodic lines in all four voice parts
  • Interpreting contemporary harmonic language in a tonal context
  • Sustaining ensemble cohesion through longer, more complex choral phrases
  • Applying musical expression to text through Hayes's thoughtful vocal writing

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