That's What I Want For Christmas: Choral Instrumental Pak
By E.E. Lawrence / Arranged by Paul Langford
Item: 35-PK00272426
$21.00
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Description
This jazzy Christmas standard has been recorded by such artists as Ella Fitzerald, Nancy Wilson, and SheDaisy, just to name a few! With a gentle swing feel, romantic lyrics, and rich, accessible vocal harmonies, choirs of all kinds will love performing this arrangement. It's especially nice for the ladies!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00272426
More about this title
Why we love this
Paul Langford's arrangement captures the sophisticated ease of the classic jazz singers who made this tune their own, but never loses the accessibility that makes it work for ensembles still building their jazz vocabulary. The vocal harmonies sit naturally in the voice and invite genuine musicality rather than technical heroics. It's a piece that sounds polished and complete without demanding months of rehearsal.
What to expect
Warmth without sentimentality. The swing feel gives the arrangement buoyancy and elegance, while the romantic lyrical content invites genuine musical storytelling. Performers and audiences alike sense the care in Langford's orchestration; every instrumental color serves the voices rather than competing with them.
Who it's for
Women's choirs and mixed groups seeking a sophisticated Christmas selection that showcases vocal blend without requiring extensive jazz training. This works equally well for advanced high school choirs and community or collegiate ensembles looking for something genuinely classy rather than novelty-driven.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the swing feel through the rhythm section. Have pianists and bassists listen to classic recordings to absorb the proper lilt before rehearsal; it's easier to feel swing than to explain it.
- Let the romantic quality emerge from deliberate phrasing rather than rushing. This arrangement rewards singers who breathe thoughtfully and connect the lyrics to genuine expression.
- Balance the vocal lines so no harmony part disappears. Rich arrangements can accidentally bury the inner voices, so listen specifically for each part during rehearsal run-throughs.
- Keep the tempo conversational. A slight drag in tempo often serves this style better than a metronomic pulse; trust your singers' instinct for breathing space.
How to use it
Ideal as a showcase piece in a holiday concert's second half when audiences are thoroughly relaxed and ready for sophisticated sentiment. Consider pairing it with uptempo, comedic Christmas selections to create dynamic contrast within your program's seasonal set.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in swing feel and jazz articulation
- Blending across upper, middle, and lower harmony parts
- Interpreting lyrical, romantic phrasing within an ensemble context
- Listening to and learning from classic jazz vocal recordings
- Working with jazz rhythm section accompaniment