This Christmas (arr. Roger Emerson): Choral Instrumental Pak

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the warmth and sophistication of Hathaway's original while making it accessible for mixed ensembles. The jazz influences remain present without overwhelming singers who may be less comfortable with blues tonality, and the scoring supports both strong singers and developing voices.

This arrangement radiates unhurried joy and gratitude. The jazz harmonies create sophistication without coldness, and the upbeat character never tips into saccharine territory, instead feeling like a genuine celebration among musicians who know each other well.

Choirs seeking holiday repertoire with genuine musical substance rather than novelty arrangements will find this ideal. It works for advanced high school or college ensembles and also for adult community choirs that want to move beyond purely traditional Christmas material.

• Balance the swing feel carefully in rehearsal. This isn't straight eighth notes; the groove depends on slightly laid-back rhythms that your rhythm section must lock together before the singers enter.
• Emphasize legit vowels underneath any jazz phrasing. Hathaway's style demands vocal warmth, which disappears quickly if singers sacrifice tone quality for rhythmic style.
• Let the text breathe. Holiday music often races toward sentiment; this arrangement gains power when you allow pauses and rubato moments to land.

Place this late in a holiday concert to shift the mood from reverent carols toward celebratory closing numbers. It pairs naturally with other contemporary holiday songs or as a bridge between traditional and modern seasonal programming.

• Swing rhythms and swing articulation
• Jazz harmony and voice leading
• Balancing rhythmic precision with legit vocal tone
• Interpreting jazz phrasing and dynamics
• Working with rhythm section accompaniment