There Is a Santa Claus: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Andy Beck's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the Elf musical without oversimplifying the harmonic content, giving your singers genuine material to sink their teeth into. The 2-part voicing makes it genuinely accessible for middle school and smaller ensembles while maintaining the Broadway charm that will engage your audience. Programming this piece signals to your singers and audience that holiday concerts can be contemporary, fun, and musically satisfying all at once.

Bright, bouncy, and unapologetically theatrical, this arrangement radiates the kind of pure Christmas joy that makes audiences smile instantly. The festive lyrics and jubilant melodic writing create an infectious energy that's nearly impossible to resist, whether you're performing it or hearing it from the audience. There's a pop sensibility woven throughout that feels current and fun without ever losing sight of the seasonal warmth that makes holiday music meaningful.

This piece works beautifully for middle school through high school choirs, and smaller or developing ensembles will appreciate the accessibility of the 2-part voicing. It's equally valuable for community choirs and church holiday programs looking to expand beyond traditional Christmas music. Any director wanting to program something contemporary that still screams "holiday celebration" will find the performance and learning experience rewarding.

• Lean into the jubilant character from the opening; the joy here isn't subtle, and your singers should feel permission to be bright and unrestrained in their tone.
• Use the recorded accompaniment as a rehearsal tool early on to lock the rhythmic style, especially if your ensemble is more accustomed to traditional holiday repertoire.
• Balance the two parts carefully in the mix so that neither voice dominates; pop harmony in a choral setting requires both parts to sit at comparable dynamic levels.
• Pay attention to diction clarity on the text about Santa Claus; Broadway material lives or dies by lyrical delivery, and crisp consonants will amplify the humor and charm.

Open a holiday concert with this piece to set an upbeat, contemporary tone that signals your program won't be all traditional carols. Program it mid-set to provide an energetic palate cleanser between slower, more reflective holiday selections. It's also perfectly suited as a finale option if you want to send your audience out smiling and in good spirits.

• Reading and executing rhythmic syncopation in pop and contemporary styles
• Balancing two-part harmony while maintaining clear, independent vocal lines
• Applying theatrical diction and lyrical delivery to choral music
• Interpreting dynamic contrast and character in contemporary arrangements
• Sustaining energetic, bright tone quality over longer phrases