The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late): Unison / Opt. 2-Part Choral Octavo

Funk nails the infectious energy of the original while keeping the part-writing lean and accessible for young singers. The optional second part gives you flexibility to include developing singers without holding back your more confident performers, making this work equally well with a mixed-ability group.

Bright, bouncy, and instantly recognizable. The Chipmunk Song practically arranges itself in your singers' heads, so Funk's orchestration gets out of the way and lets the nostalgia and novelty do the work. It feels like permission to have real fun in a holiday concert.

Young choral singers in grades 1-3 who are ready to tackle a recognizable, fun holiday standard without overwhelming part-writing. This arrangement works for mixed ability ensembles because the unison spine is simple enough for developing readers while the optional second part offers growth opportunities.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the opening; the signature fast-paced chipmunk charm depends on crisp articulation and steady tempo.
• If splitting into unison and optional parts, rehearse the two groups separately first to build confidence, then layer them together gradually.
• Keep the energy high and playful throughout. Young singers respond well to a director who shows joy in the novelty, which translates directly to their performance.

Perfect as a showstopper or encore in your December concert. Its charm and audience recognition make it ideal for opening a pops set or closing a holiday program on a high-energy note. Young singers particularly benefit from performing something their families and community members already know and love.

• Singing in unison with rhythmic precision
• Reading and executing fast-paced melodic lines
• Blending optional harmony parts with a unison foundation
• Maintaining steady tempo and crisp articulation in novelty material