Vox Holiday: SSA Choral Octavo
Words and music by Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0007866
$2.50
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Introducing a new addition to the Vox tradition---this time it's for the holidays! Greg's clever and rhythmic vocables suggest sounds of the season; "fa la las" (carolers), "ding dong dings" (bells), "bm bm" (drums), and "da-hoos" (the Whos down in Whoville). As with other songs in this series, perform a cappella or with optional piano---sleigh bells add some sparkle either way. When the three independent voice parts combine, it's a joyful flurry of sound!
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Sample Audio
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Vox Holiday (no piano)
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Vox Holiday
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Vox Holiday (no piano)
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Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007866
More about this title
About the Composer: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin has established himself as a prolific choral composer and conductor whose work is performed across major concert halls in North America and internationally. From Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to the Sydney Opera House and Royal Festival Hall in London, his music reaches audiences worldwide. As Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press, Gilpin shapes the landscape of choral literature available to schools and community ensembles.
Beyond the concert stage, Gilpin has expanded his creative reach into film scoring and personal enterprise. His 2021 score for the short film "Rosie's Rescue" earned Best Score recognition, and he collaborated with opera singer Angela Brown on a contemporary arrangement of "What Child is This?" premiered by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. An active member of ACDA, NAfME, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Gilpin continues to teach, compose, and conduct while drawing on his professional organizing expertise to serve both artistic and community endeavors.
Why we love this
Gilpin's signature approach to vocables transforms them from a mere rhythmic device into character voices that audiences instantly recognize and enjoy. The piece captures genuine holiday spirit without leaning on traditional carols, making it an engaging complement to standard repertoire. SSA voicing with optional accompaniment keeps the arrangement flexible for choirs of varying resources and skill levels.
What to expect
Playful and infectious, with the propulsive energy of carolers, the shimmer of bells, and the comedic charm of Whoville converging into pure seasonal joy. The overlapping vocables create a delightful sonic flurry that feels both contemporary and festive, inviting the audience into the merriment.
Who it's for
SSA choirs seeking fresh, spirited holiday repertoire that moves beyond traditional carols. Directors preparing winter concerts benefit from a piece that energizes singers and audiences alike while remaining achievable for treble-voiced ensembles of intermediate ability.
How to get the most out of it
- Isolate each vocable part separately in early rehearsals so singers understand the distinctive sound each voice carries (carolers' "fa la las," bells' "ding dong dings," drums' "bm bm," and Whoville's "da-hoos"). Once secure, the independent lines create textural richness when sung together.
- Shape the dynamic arc of the piece by treating vocables as actual musical phrases rather than percussion effects. Listen for natural peaks and valleys in the rhythmic figures and allow dynamics to breathe accordingly.
- If performing a cappella, bring particular attention to your middle voice (alto) as it often anchors harmonic stability while the soprano and second soprano weave around it. Lock this foundation early.
- Should you add optional sleigh bells and piano, ensure the bells sit above the vocal texture without obscuring the intricate interplay of the three parts. Reserve bells for moments where they enhance rather than compete.
How to use it
Place this piece near the end of a holiday concert to leave audiences with an uplifted, energetic finish. Its accessibility and audience appeal make it an ideal anchor for a mixed-level choral showcase or as the bridge between formal carols and celebratory encores.
Skills your students will build
- Precision in rhythmic coordination across three independent vocal lines
- Vocal clarity and diction in singing stylized vocables
- Dynamic control and phrasing of rhythmic material
- Harmonic awareness while executing parallel or interlocking melodic patterns