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

Ed Lojeski's arrangement captures the warmth and accessibility of Clarkson's original while keeping the SAB voicing practical for mixed ensembles of varying experience. The arrangement respects the song's contemporary sensibility without sacrificing choral color, making it a genuine crowd pleaser that doesn't feel thin or overly simplified.

Warm and nostalgic with a contemporary pop sensibility, this arrangement carries the comfort of a familiar song while maintaining the sophistication Lojeski brings to his choral writing. There's a balance between accessibility and genuine musicality that makes it feel neither dumbed down nor overly cerebral.

Choirs looking for contemporary holiday material that works for mixed voices without requiring an enormous span or soloists will find this a practical choice. It suits both community ensembles and school choirs comfortable with modern pop arrangements and also appeals to singers who grew up with Clarkson's music and want to sing something they genuinely connect with.

• Balance the melody line carefully between sopranos and altos in the verses; Lojeski's writing often distributes the tune across both parts, and clarity will depend on letting the altos sit slightly under the sopranos when both sing the main phrase.
• Lock the rhythm section (baritones and accompanying tenors) into a steady groove early in rehearsal. This arrangement thrives on harmonic stability, so secure that foundation before refining the upper voices.
• Shape the dynamics around the original recording's arc rather than treating the piece as uniformly bright. There are intimate moments built into the arrangement that will shine if you resist the urge to keep everything at full volume.

Slot this into a December concert where you want a secular holiday piece with broad appeal and immediate recognition. It works equally well as a standalone feature or paired with other contemporary arrangements to showcase your choir's range across musical styles and eras.

• Balancing melody and harmony in contemporary voicings
• Sustaining intonation across tertian harmonies typical of pop arrangements
• Executing rhythmic precision in swing-influenced or groove-based accompaniment patterns
• Shaping phrase contours that honor both choral blend and pop music conventions