The Candy Cane Twist Cover Image

The Candy Cane Twist: 2-Part Choral Octavo

$2.05 USD
Sale price  $2.05 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
The Candy Cane Twist Cover Image

The Candy Cane Twist: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Words by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher, music by Andy Beck

Item: 00-39832

makemusic Cloud badge

Need it now?

Buy Digital Version
$2.05
Shipped

One moment…

Description
It's a seasonal sensation that's sweepin' the nation (with no mention of the holidays)! This rockin' original celebrates the tasty treat with all the right moves. "Twist to the left and right . . . like the red and white." Fitting '50s choreography available on the DVD. Featured on "Reaching for the Stars" choral movement DVD 00-39928. Check this out! https://leapingbrain.com/modshop/product/?shop=9&product=5686

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Candy Cane Twist: 2-Part Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Sample Pages

Sample Audio
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081444932
SKU: 00-39832

More about this title

About the Composer: Andy Beck

Andy Beck

Andy Beck leads the choral publications department at Alfred Music and has established himself as one of the most frequently performed composers in contemporary choral education. His catalog exceeds 450 works spanning choral octavos, vocal resources, and children's musicals, alongside pedagogical resources like Sing at First Sight and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique. A trained tenor with degrees from Ithaca College and Northwest Missouri State University, Beck remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, working regularly with all-state honor choirs and commissioned ensembles.

Beyond the page, Beck's work appears constantly in performance venues worldwide, a testament to writing that balances musical substance with accessibility. He has directed musical theatre, sings with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir, and has contributed vocal performances to Alfred's studio recordings since 1992. His dual commitment to choral artistry and music literacy shapes every publication he develops for the company's catalog.

Why we love this

Beck captures the energy of 1950s rock and roll without leaning on holiday sentiment, making this a secular novelty that feels fresh even in seasonal programming. The built-in choreography and movement focus give your singers something physical to do beyond standing in formation, which energizes ensemble dynamics and audience engagement. It's the kind of piece that reminds students why they joined choir in the first place.

What to expect

A playful, upbeat celebration of a beloved candy with all the swagger of 1950s rock and roll. The piece bounces along with infectious rhythm and call-and-response textures that feel spontaneous and fun, inviting both singers and audiences to move.

Who it's for

Middle school and early high school choirs looking for repertoire with personality and built-in engagement. Singers at this level respond to music that balances accessibility with novelty appeal, and this piece delivers both without requiring advanced vocal technique.

How to get the most out of it

  • Nail the rhythmic precision in the rock sections; the piece's swing depends on locked ensemble rhythm rather than musical weightiness.
  • Work the choreography early in rehearsal, not as an afterthought. Once singers understand the movement vocabulary, musical decisions become clearer.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the groove and tempo, especially if your singers aren't experienced with swing feel or rock-inflected phrasing.
  • Shape the call-and-response moments with energy and attitude. These lines thrive on playfulness and clear antiphonal exchange between voice parts.

How to use it

Slot this into a winter concert as a light-hearted palate cleanser between more substantial repertoire, or build a program theme around novelty and fun. Its strong choreography also makes it ideal for pep rallies, student assemblies, or informal performance settings where movement and visual engagement matter as much as vocal polish.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic precision in rock and swing idioms
  • Singing with rhythmic independence in call-and-response textures
  • Coordinating singing with choreographed movement
  • Ensemble blend in 2-part voicing with contrasting rhythmic material
  • Stylistic interpretation of '50s-influenced popular music

You May Also Like