Underneath The Tree (arr. Mac Huff): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Mac Huff's arrangement captures the warmth and sincerity of Clarkson's original while making it genuinely singable for mixed choirs of all sizes. The 3-part voicing balances accessibility with musical interest, and the song's infectious melody ensures audiences will recognize and enjoy it immediately. This is a contemporary holiday selection that feels current without sacrificing the emotional depth that makes the song resonate.

Cozy and celebratory, with an intimate quality that invites the listener in rather than overwhelming them with production. The arrangement balances modern pop sensibilities with choral warmth, creating a performance that feels both accessible and genuinely musical.

Choirs seeking a contemporary holiday selection that works for mixed voices without requiring advanced ranges or vocal maturity. Directors who want something recognizable and engaging for winter concerts, pops programs, or community performances where audiences expect familiar material.

• Balance the melody between parts carefully in measures where it moves around the voicing; your sopranos shouldn't overshadow alto or tenor lines that carry the tune.
• Lean into the rhythmic syncopation that gives the arrangement its modern character; it's what distinguishes this from traditional holiday fare.
• Layer in dynamics gradually through repetitions of the main melodic phrases to build momentum without oversinging from the start.

Pair this with a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday music to show range without asking your singers to navigate unfamiliar styles. It works equally well as a concert opener that hooks the audience or as a closing selection that leaves them smiling. Consider programming it alongside one or two other pop or secular holiday arrangements to establish a themed set within your winter concert.

• Singing contemporary pop style within a choral context
• Maintaining melodic clarity when the tune moves between voice parts
• Syncopated rhythm reading in a modern arrangement
• Blending part singers in a 3-part texture without excess unison