The First Noel: TTBB Choral Octavo

Sharon brings the texturing and rhythmic sophistication of modern a cappella to a beloved hymn, creating something that honors the carol's familiarity while delivering genuine musical interest across all four parts. The TTBB voicing sits comfortably for men's choirs while remaining accessible, and his arrangement showcases why he's shaped the sound of an entire genre. This is repertoire that works equally well for holiday concerts, community performances, and groups looking to expand beyond traditional choral fare.

Warm and modern at once. Sharon's arrangement honors "The First Noel" as a known melody while wrapping it in layered harmonies and rhythmic drive that feel current. The piece breathes with contemporary energy without losing the carol's essential tenderness.

Men's choirs and mixed ensembles with solid vocal fundamentals who want to add contemporary a cappella style to their repertoire. Directors seeking holiday material that transcends the typical carol arrangement will find a fresh take on familiar material. This works for groups confident enough to embrace a cappella blend and rhythmic precision.

• Lock in the rhythmic precision early; Sharon's contemporary sound relies on clean articulation and exact rhythmic alignment, particularly in how the voices interlock. Spend rehearsal time on rhythmic unison passages before adding harmonic complexity.
• Shape phrases through dynamic contrast rather than excessive tempo fluctuation. The arrangement rewards singers who understand how to sculpt a phrase with subtle dynamic shadings within steady time.
• Blend the voices by thinking horizontally within your part line rather than vertically into the chord. Each voice has its own narrative, and clarity across four strong lines creates the modern a cappella sound Sharon pioneered.
• Record multiple takes during rehearsals. Hearing themselves back helps singers understand how their part fits into the larger sonic picture and builds confidence in a style that may feel unfamiliar to traditionally trained choirs.

Pair this with traditional carols to show the full range of seasonal repertoire your choir commands, or use it as an opener to signal a modern, energetic concert approach. Holiday programs benefit from this kind of arrangement because it satisfies both traditionalists and listeners seeking something beyond standard choral fare.

• Layered harmonic blend specific to contemporary a cappella voicing
• Rhythmic precision and locked ensemble timing within steady pulse
• Independent part singing with melodic integrity across all four lines
• Dynamic shaping within phrases without losing metrical structure
• Vocal flexibility across contemporary and traditional repertoire styles