The North Pole Marching Band: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher, music by Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0003313
$1.90
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Did you know the North Pole has a marching band? That's right, and Santa's the director! Who's on the roster? Elves, reindeer, and even Mrs. C! As this clever partner song unfolds, we sing about the whole crew and even imitate the sounds of their instruments. Mark time, march!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0003313
More about this title
About the Composer: Andy Beck
Andy Beck directs choral publications at Alfred Music and has composed and arranged more than 450 choral works, vocal resources, and children's musicals now in circulation. His pedagogical materials include Sing at First Sight, Foundations in Choral Sight Singing, and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique. YouTube performances confirm his music reaches singers across the globe.
Beck holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Ithaca College and a Master's degree in Music Education from Northwest Missouri State University. He serves regularly as a guest conductor, choreographer, adjudicator, and clinician for music educators nationwide and has been commissioned by honor choirs and all-state groups throughout the Southeast. An accomplished tenor and musical theatre director, he sings with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir and has been an Alfred Music studio singer since 1992.
Why we love this
Beck and Fisher craft a partner song that moves singers off the risers and into the performance space. The clever roster of North Pole characters (elves, reindeer, Mrs. Claus) gives every voice something memorable to sing, while the instrument imitations turn rehearsal into play without sacrificing musicality.
What to expect
Joyful and kinetic. The piece bounces with the energy of a marching band filtered through holiday magic and playfulness. Singers experience the fun of collaboration and storytelling while staying connected to genuine musical moments.
Who it's for
Elementary and middle school choirs seeking a winter concert piece that engages young singers physically and imaginatively. This works equally well for experienced singers looking for a fun novelty number and for developing choirs building ensemble skills through character-based learning.
How to get the most out of it
- Assign specific character parts to different sections so singers own their line. When elves sing one melody and reindeer answer with the other, the partner song becomes a conversation rather than just two melodies stacked together.
- Build the movement vocabulary early in rehearsal, separate from the music. Once singers know exactly when to mark time or march and what gestures match the instrument imitations, they can focus on blend and intonation.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the tempo and harmonic foundation during early rehearsals, then gradually reduce accompaniment volume as confidence grows so the choir's sound emerges.
How to use it
Position this in the second half of a winter concert to shift energy and invite audience laughter after more serious carols. The movement and staging make it a strong closer for a holiday show, or use it as the anchor of a "Nutcracker meets Contemporary" program pairing traditional and novelty selections.
Skills your students will build
- Partner song independence (singing contrasting melodies simultaneously)
- Character-driven interpretation and expression
- Integration of movement and rhythm with vocal line
- Blend and balance in two-part harmony
- Rhythmic precision while moving