There Is Something About December: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Estes writes with a clear understanding of what middle school singers can accomplish, crafting a piece that feels fresh without abandoning accessibility. The seasonal appeal is genuine rather than obligatory, making this a strong choice when you need repertoire that respects both your students' abilities and their intelligence about holiday music.

The piece captures something specific about December: a blend of reflection and anticipation that avoids sentimentality. There's a musical clarity here that lets the season's own character emerge rather than imposing one.

This octavo works well for middle school choirs and mixed ensembles at the upper elementary level seeking holiday repertoire with real musical substance. It's equally valuable for community choruses or adult singers looking for accessible yet thoughtfully composed seasonal material.

• Balance the three parts carefully in rehearsal by having singers isolate each line separately before layering them together; this clarifies the independence each voice needs to maintain.
• Pay attention to any divisi moments; mark your scores clearly so singers understand exactly which notes belong to their part when lines split.
• Shape the text deliberately. Winter and December music can drift into a generic reverent tone; find the specific emotional content Estes intends and let that guide your phrasing.

Consider programming this alongside more traditional carol arrangements to show your students how contemporary composers approach seasonal themes. It works particularly well in mixed concerts where you're balancing familiar holiday expectations with newer works that stretch your ensemble slightly.

• Singing in three-part harmony with independent voice lines
• Managing articulation and phrasing across longer phrases
• Interpreting text with intentionality rather than default sentiment
• Balancing blend and clarity when multiple parts move simultaneously