Still the Holiest Night: SAB Choral Octavo
Arr. Philip Kern
Item: 00-PO-0004631
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Phil Kern has skillfully weaved two cherished Christmas favorites ("Still, Still, Still" and "O Holy Night") into one of the finest seasonal works we've heard in years. This beautiful arrangement is destined to become a Christmas tradition in many choirs. Why not yours? For school or church choirs. Perfect for Christmas Eve services.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0004631
More about this title
About the Arranger: Philip Kern
Philip Kern has established himself as a composer and arranger with a gift for creating accessible, singable music that works across ability levels. His arrangements appear frequently in school and church choral programs, where they balance musical substance with practical voicing that serves developing singers.
Why we love this
Kern's weaving of two melodic lines creates a partner song that feels organic rather than forced, giving singers and audiences genuine musical depth without requiring advanced technique. The arrangement respects both melodies equally, honoring their individual character while building something new; this is the kind of work that actually improves a holiday concert rather than simply filling time.
What to expect
The arrangement creates a moment of quiet majesty, blending intimacy and reverence. There's warmth in the pairing of these two beloved carols, a sense that both melodies are telling part of the same story.
Who it's for
School and church choirs with SAB singers (including those with limited soprano or alto sections) looking for a substantial, emotionally resonant Christmas piece. This works especially well for choirs that want to move beyond simple medleys into genuine musical arranging.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the two melodies carefully in rehearsal. Mark which singers carry which tune and practice them separately before combining; this prevents one line from drowning the other.
- Pay attention to phrase shape in each melody. Even though they're woven together, each line needs its own musical arc and breath points to maintain independence.
- Let the text and emotional weight of each song inform your interpretation. 'Still, Still, Still' carries a gentle lullaby quality while 'O Holy Night' demands reverence; find the arrangement's approach to both.
- Use the 8-page score to identify key transition moments where the voicing shifts or the relationship between melodies changes; mark these for the singers so they understand the architecture.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for a Christmas Eve service or holiday concert, where its sophistication will anchor a program of more straightforward seasonal selections. It also works beautifully in a small section with other Kern arrangements or similar partner song pieces, letting singers experience how skillful arranging creates depth.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in two independent melodic lines simultaneously
- Maintaining pitch stability while hearing a different melody
- Understanding how harmonic function supports multiple melodies
- Interpreting text expression across different musical phrases