This Twenty-Five of December: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

Gilpin's secular take on the Christmas season gives directors a sophisticated alternative to traditional sacred holiday fare. The recorded accompaniment (available separately) makes this accessible for groups without strong piano support, and the title's clever wordplay signals writing that respects both musical craft and emotional intelligence.

This piece balances festive warmth with a knowing modern sensibility. The secular framing invites singers and audiences to experience the December 25 tradition with renewed perspective, combining genuine emotion with clever text that avoids sentimentality.

Choirs seeking fresh, thoughtful Christmas repertoire that moves beyond the sacred canon will find this piece engaging and rewarding. It works equally well for high school and college choirs, community ensembles, and adult singers looking for contemporary holiday material with artistic substance.

• Take advantage of the recorded accompaniment to lock ensemble phrasing and balance without depending on a live accompanist during rehearsal.
• Shape the text with clear diction; Gilpin's secular approach deserves articulation that honors both the humor and heart of the title.
• Build dynamic contrast gradually through the piece rather than jumping between extremes, allowing the emotional arc to develop naturally.
• Explore the recorded version before the first rehearsal to understand Gilpin's own interpretive choices for tempo, texture, and emotional pacing.

Place this strategically in a December concert to provide contrast with more traditional holiday selections, or build an entire program around contemporary seasonal work. The recorded accompaniment option makes it practical for smaller venues or touring concerts where piano support may be limited.

• Balancing text clarity with melodic expression in secular holiday music
• Responding to recorded accompaniment with ensemble precision
• Interpreting contemporary compositional language in choral writing