This Twenty-Five of December: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Gilpin captures the rollicking energy of a folk tune without sacrificing choral sophistication. The minor key and dance-like rhythms create something genuinely fresh for holiday programming, steering clear of the predictable major-key sentimentality that dominates December repertoire. The built-in solo moment gives you a natural chance to feature a strong soloist while keeping the arrangement accessible for middle school and younger high school choirs.

Part Irish reel, part sea chantey, this arrangement sparkles with rhythmic mischief and melodic warmth. The minor key lends an unexpected sophistication to the familiar holiday imagery, and the dance-like pulse gives singers something energizing to lock into rather than the gentle sway of typical yuletide fare.

This piece works beautifully for middle school and early high school choirs seeking a holiday selection with genuine musical substance. Directors programming Christmas concerts will find it refreshing for audiences tired of exclusively major-key carols, while singers gain exposure to minor-key choral writing that maintains accessibility without simplification.

• Let the rhythmic vitality of the piece guide your tempos; this writing thrives on energetic forward motion rather than deliberate pacing.
• Shape the introspective solo passage with dynamic contrast, pulling back the accompaniment so the soloist's voice stands clearly without drowning in harmonic support.
• Emphasize the text painting on "fa la la's" and "noel's" with crisp articulation and light weight, especially in the final refrain where the festive spirit peaks.
• Balance the minor key tonality carefully in early rehearsals so singers hear the harmonic color as intentional and charming rather than sad or uncertain.

Place this in the latter half of your concert to capitalize on its high energy and festive text after slower, more contemplative works. It pairs well alongside other folk-influenced or secular holiday selections, and its 12-page length makes it a sensible anchor piece that doesn't overwhelm a December program while commanding full attention.

• Singing in minor keys with tonal security
• Executing rhythmic precision in dance-like patterns with mixed meters
• Balancing part independence in 2-part harmony
• Shaping dynamic contrast between energetic sections and softer solo passages
• Articulating text with clarity while maintaining melodic line integrity