Josh Groban emerged as a crossover artist with genuine vocal training and an instinct for emotionally direct interpretations. His background in classical voice and musical theater translates into interpretations that honor melody while remaining accessible to broad audiences, making his arrangements and performances valuable reference points for choral educators seeking repertoire that bridges contemporary and traditional sensibilities.
Why we love this
Mark Hayes' arrangement captures the warmth of Groban's original while stripping away production layers, leaving space for your singers to inhabit the song authentically. The two-part texture invites genuine choir participation without requiring advanced ranges, and the emotional core of gratitude gives your holiday concert real substance beyond decoration.
What to expect
Quiet introspection wrapped in gentle harmonic movement. The piece breathes like a moment of pause in the season's rush, inviting both singers and listeners into something sincere and unhurried. There's warmth without sentimentality, and depth without darkness.
Who it's for
Choirs at middle school through community levels looking for contemporary repertoire with real emotional substance for their December programming. This works equally well for groups with mixed singing experience, since the two-part writing accommodates varied abilities without sacrificing musicality.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the melody line between parts so that the primary tune doesn't overwhelm the countermelody; these voices are partners, not soloist and accompaniment.
Find the conversational quality in the text; resist over-legit singing that turns the message into something distant or overly formal.
Sustain through longer phrases without rushing to breathe, as this will preserve the reflection and weight the song asks for.
Let dynamic shaping follow the harmonic movement rather than imposing arbitrary crescendos; the arrangement itself suggests where intensity should live.
How to use it
Pair this with more uptempo carols to give your concert shape and emotional arc, or use it as a closer that sends the audience out thinking rather than just humming. The intimacy makes it ideal for a candlelit moment or a smaller ensemble featured within a larger concert context.
Skills your students will build
Blending two distinct melodic lines with independent rhythmic integrity
Sustaining longer phrases with controlled breath support
Interpreting lyrics with conversational tone rather than operatic delivery
Balancing warmth and precision in contemporary sacred repertoire
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
