Two for Halloween: 2-Part Choral Octavo
1. When Halloween Returns 2. It Must Be Halloween
Music from "In the Hall of the Mountain King," "Toccata in D Minor," and "The Erl King" / arr. with words by Mark Weston
Item: 00-PO-0007237
$2.30
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
It's a spooky twist on a couple of classical themes! Complete with swooping bats, snarling cats, and all kinds of ghostly imagery, this duo can be sung together or separately for any fall or Halloween performance. Listen for the screeching owl hiding within the spine-tingling SoundTrax accompaniment.
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Sample Audio
1
1 When Halloween Returns
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2
2 It Must Be Halloween
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1 When Halloween Returns
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Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007237
More about this title
Why we love this
Mark Weston's arrangement transforms recognizable classical material into something genuinely theatrical without losing the elegance of the originals. The writing sits perfectly in the 2-part range, making it accessible for developing choirs while the Halloween imagery and sound effects keep the energy high and the humor sharp. This is the kind of piece that students remember singing years later because it was fun to perform, not despite it.
What to expect
Playful mischief wrapped around classical sophistication. Expect swooping melodic lines that mimic the bats in the score, unexpected harmonic turns that raise an eyebrow, and moments of genuine theatrical tension punctuated by musical humor. The arrangement walks the line between spoof and sincere arrangement with skill.
Who it's for
Middle school and high school choirs looking for a seasonal piece that entertains without sacrificing musicianship. The 2-part texture accommodates mixed ability levels and works beautifully for smaller ensembles or first-year choirs building confidence with part independence.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the two melodies carefully during the sections where both themes appear simultaneously. Neither line should overshadow the other; clarity of both parts creates the full comic effect.
- Layer the mood between sections. Allow the spookier moments to sit in genuine darkness before moving into the more playful passages; this contrast amplifies both.
- Take full advantage of the recorded accompaniment's sound design. Let the owl and other effects breathe in the spaces where your singers are sustaining or resting, rather than covering them with unnecessary movement.
How to use it
Position this on a fall concert to create a tonal shift before or after heavier repertoire. The two pieces can be performed as a suite or split across a program to bookend your October performance. It works especially well on a concert that mixes seasonal and classical material, giving students and audiences permission to enjoy both seriously and lightly.
Skills your students will build
- Part independence in homophonic and contrapuntal textures
- Dynamic shaping and dramatic pacing within shorter forms
- Identification of melodic themes and their transformations across arrangement
- Listening and responding to recorded accompaniment cues
- Interpretive choices that balance humor with musical intention