Underneath The Tree (arr. Ed Lojeski): SATB Choral Octavo

Ed Lojeski's arrangement captures the intimate warmth of Clarkson's original while giving SATB choirs a vehicle that doesn't demand soloistic heroics. The ten pages provide enough harmonic interest to keep singers engaged without overwhelming groups still building their contemporary choral repertoire.

Warm and reflective, with the uncluttered sincerity of a contemporary pop song. The arrangement respects Clarkson's original while building texture through four-part harmony that feels organic rather than imposed.

Holiday concerts programming modern pop or seeking to bridge gap between your traditional carols and contemporary taste. Groups comfortable with 10-page scores and looking to add current artist repertoire that actually sits well in choral voicing.

• Balance the melody line carefully across sections. In SATB writing of contemporary songs, unison or octave passages can blur if one section dominates; lean into the recording to lock the blend.
• Treat the text conversationally rather than operatically. Clarkson's delivery is warm and direct, so encourage your singers to prioritize clarity and sincerity over vibrato.
• Identify key moments where the harmony shifts or moves beneath a held melody line. These transitions need rhythmic precision to land cleanly, especially if you're performing with a recorded accompaniment.

Slot this into the latter portion of a holiday set, after you've established your concert's tonal foundation with traditional or classical pieces. It works especially well as a bridge between an opening carol set and any secular holiday closing numbers.

• Singing contemporary popular music with proper intonation in four-part harmony
• Balancing solo-style melodic writing across SATB texture
• Interpreting text-driven arrangements that prioritize clarity over classical vibrato
• Ensemble blend when working with modern harmonic language