Squeezin' Down the Chimney: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Althouse has a gift for writing novelty numbers that actually deliver pedagogical value rather than sacrificing musicality for the joke. The title alone will draw laughter from your audience before a single note sounds, but the piece itself stands up musically with singable lines and smart harmony. The included SoundTrax CD makes learning and performance stress-free.

The piece sparkles with holiday mischief and charm. There's a wink-and-a-nudge quality to the writing that keeps singers engaged while audiences laugh at the clever concept, all wrapped in music that feels effortless to perform.

This works for middle school through community adult choirs seeking a fun, audience-pleasing seasonal selection that doesn't talk down to singers. Directors programming Christmas concerts around a mix of reverent and lighthearted pieces will find this fills the lighter slot without requiring specialized expertise.

• Lean into the humor without winking too hard; let the title and melody do the comic work while singers maintain honest phrasing throughout.
• Balance the playful character with clarity in diction, especially on the punch lines, so the audience catches every moment.
• Use the recorded accompaniment as written during rehearsals to establish tempo and groove, then remove it gradually as singers gain confidence in their parts.

Position this between slower carols or more serious holiday fare to give audiences and singers a breather. It pairs especially well in programs that balance traditional and contemporary seasonal music, offering the kind of memorable moment that audiences still reference months later.

• Maintaining musical integrity while performing comedic material
• Clear articulation and rhythmic precision in a contemporary idiom
• Blend and balance within block harmony