This Twenty-Five of December: SAB Choral Octavo
Words and music by Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0006926
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Merry minor key singing and dance-like rhythms! This rousing Greg Gilpin original sounds something like Irish folk music or perhaps a sea chantey. It's a festive holiday text complete with trimming the tree, decking the halls, plus plentiful "fa la la's" and "noel's." Feature a mid-range soloist on the softer, slower, introspective moment just before the last spirited refrain. "There's holiday cheer for one and all!"Â
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006926
More about this title
About the Composer: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin brings multi-faceted artistry to choral music as both a composer and conductor. An ASCAP award-winning voice in choral literature, he has led performances at some of North America's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Ryman Auditorium, with international conducting appearances spanning from the Sydney Opera House to London's Royal Festival Hall. Beyond the podium, Gilpin serves as Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press and has built a prolific career as a recording industry producer and musician.
In recent years, Gilpin has expanded his creative reach considerably. He composed the score for the award-winning short film "Rosie's Rescue" and collaborated with opera singer Angela Brown on a world premiere arrangement of "What Child is This?" debuted by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. Active in professional organizations including ACDA, NAfME, and as a Life Loyal Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Gilpin continues to engage with music education and the broader musical community with sustained passion.
Why we love this
Gilpin's gift for writing accessible yet musically sophisticated holiday music shines here. The minor key and dance-like rhythms immediately set this apart from typical Christmas fare, giving your singers something fresh to perform while the folk-inflected melody and text feel instantly singable even on first read-through.
What to expect
Imagine the warmth of Irish pub music wrapped in holiday spirit. This piece swings with the rhythmic vitality of a sea chantey, its minor key lending character and depth while the text keeps things bright and celebratory. The overall effect is rousing and joyful without ever feeling overly sentimental.
Who it's for
SAB choirs seeking holiday repertoire that stands apart from the expected Christmas carol sound. This piece works well for groups comfortable with rhythmic independence and three-part mixed voicing, and it's especially rewarding for choirs that enjoy folk-inspired material or want to showcase a capable mid-range soloist.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the rhythmic character by keeping the pulse active and dance-like throughout, especially during the spirited refrains with "fa la la's" and "noel's."
- Shape the introspective moment before the final section carefully; this softer passage gains impact when the soloist sits comfortably in their mid-range and the ensemble provides restrained, supportive voicing.
- Balance the festive text elements (trimming the tree, decking the halls) with the underlying minor tonality; avoid making the piece sound either overly dark or saccharine.
How to use it
Program this as a standout moment in a holiday concert where you want to surprise audiences with something beyond traditional Christmas fare. Its folk-song energy pairs well with other secular holiday selections or contemporary carols, and the relatively compact length (12 pages) makes it an ideal choice for concert programming that needs variety and lift.
Skills your students will build
- singing in minor key with secure intonation and clear diction
- maintaining rhythmic precision in dance-like, syncopated patterns
- balancing three-part SAB voicing with attention to blend and balance
- stylistic interpretation of folk-influenced vocal music
- ensemble support of a featured soloist within a choral context