The Cat and the Mouse Carol Sheet Music Preview

The Cat and the Mouse Carol: SAB Choral Octavo

Words and music by Ted Hutchinson / arr. Tom Fettke

Item: 00-PO-0006100

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$2.20

Minimum order quantity: 20 copies

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Description
Made popular by American Idol star David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on their Glad Christmas Tidings album, this original carol tells the Christmas story from the perspective of two animals in the stable. “And the night skies rang as the angels sang, when love came down to the earth.” Appropriate for both school and church.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
SKU: 00-PO-0006100

More about this title

Why we love this

Tom Fettke's arrangement strips away complexity without sacrificing warmth, letting the narrative carry the piece. The SAB voicing sits naturally for mixed choirs without requiring soloists or divisi, making it accessible for school and church programs alike. The recorded accompaniment option means you can use this whether you have piano support or not.

What to expect

Intimate and reflective rather than grand. The carol unfolds like a story whispered in candlelight, finding wonder in humble details. There's a quiet joy in hearing the Christmas narrative through the eyes of creatures in the stable.

Who it's for

Choirs looking for a carol with genuine originality and heart, especially those wanting something beyond the standard Christmas repertoire. The SAB voicing makes this manageable for middle school through adult ensembles with mixed voices.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the storytelling melody so listeners follow the animals' perspective throughout. The text does the heavy lifting here, so clarity matters more than blend.
  • Shape the phrase "when love came down to the earth" with a slight broadening and dynamic lift. This is your emotional peak.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment as a learning tool first. Let students hear the full arrangement before introducing it live; many will sing more confidently knowing the harmonic context.

How to use it

Slot this into a holiday concert as a contrast to more elaborate arrangements or traditional carols. It works equally well in a Christmas service, especially paired with readings or during a family-friendly segment where storytelling takes precedence.

Skills your students will build

  • Narrative projection in singing (delivering text that tells a clear story)
  • Phrase shaping in SAB voicing without losing harmonic support
  • Diction clarity in carol style (crisp consonants, sustained vowels)
  • Working with recorded accompaniment as a learning and performance resource

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