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This Time of the Year: SSA Choral Octavo

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This Time of the Year Cover Image
This Time of the Year: SSA Choral Octavo

This Time of the Year: SSA Choral Octavo

Words and music by Brook Benton and Clyde Otis / arr. Mark Hayes

Item: 00-48933

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Description
African-American musicians Brook Benton and Clyde Otis collaborated on this bluesy ballad in 1959. Since then, the enduring piece has been recorded by iconic artists such as Etta James and Ray Charles. Verses present sentimental snapshots of Christmases past, and a crooner melody paints a warm holiday portrait. "Santa Claus is on his way, loads of joy on his sleigh, this time of the year, when Christmas is near."

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081562575
SKU: 00-48933

More about this title

About the Composer: Brook Benton

Brook Benton (1931-1988) was an American singer and songwriter who became a major force in rhythm and blues and pop music during the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his smooth baritone voice and his ability to craft emotionally resonant songs, Benton recorded dozens of hits and collaborated with producers and songwriters like Clyde Otis to create standards that crossed genre and audience boundaries. His work as a composer helped define the sound of post-war American popular music, blending elements of blues, jazz, and pop into accessible, deeply human songs.

Why we love this

Mark Hayes gives this 1959 classic an SSA arrangement that honors its bluesy roots while remaining entirely singable for high school and adult choirs. The melody sits beautifully for treble voices, and the harmonies are rich without being fussy. It's sophisticated enough to program on a serious concert, yet festive and familiar enough that audiences connect immediately.

What to expect

Nostalgic and intimate, like listening to a treasured recording from your childhood. The arrangement wraps you in warm harmonies while the melody carries memories of holidays past, balancing sentiment with genuine musical substance.

Who it's for

High school and adult choirs with solid vocal blend and musicianship. The SSA voicing makes it accessible to developing singers, while the arrangement's sophistication and jazz sensibility rewards more experienced ensembles.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the verses with gentle rubato to match the sentimental storytelling; let the crooner melody breathe and settle into each phrase rather than pushing the tempo forward.
  • Balance the third voice throughout so it enhances the harmony without overwhelming the lead melody; this arrangement rewards careful voice blending.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment as a reference for the groove and phrasing style, especially in capturing the bluesy feel that distinguishes this from traditional holiday fare.
  • Bring out the warmth of the lower harmony notes in the chorus; they're what give the arrangement its vintage, intimate quality.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a closer or centerpiece on a holiday concert, especially if you want to feature your SSA voices with material that feels grown-up rather than juvenile. It pairs well alongside spirituals or other jazz-influenced secular holiday pieces; its sophistication lifts a program beyond typical Christmas fare.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing with jazz phrasing and rubato
  • Blending three-part voices with harmonic density
  • Interpreting blues-influenced melodic style
  • Balancing lead melody against supporting harmonies
  • Connecting sentimental text to musical expression

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