We Like Christmas That Way: 2-Part Choral Octavo

$1.60 USD

We Like Christmas That Way: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Name: We Like Christmas That Way: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-SVM05019
Price: 1.60 USD
Availability: InStock

Music by Lois Brownsey and Marti Lunn Lantz

Level: Moderate

Item: 00-SVM05019

$1.60

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If your lookin' for a hip-hop addition to your next holiday concert, here it is! It's a groovin' holiday rap that'll be fun for everyone.

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Publisher: Alfred Music

UPC: 654979088127

SKU: 00-SVM05019

More about this title

About the Composer: Lois Brownsey

Lois Brownsey studied music at Temple University in Philadelphia and trained in guitar performance before establishing herself as a versatile musician across multiple genres. From the 1970s through the 1990s, she performed actively in pop, rock, and blues ensembles throughout the United States and internationally, while also composing commercial music for major brands including AT&T and GMC. Today she lives in the Pocono Mountains and co-owns Red Rock Recording Studios with her husband, a recording engineer who has worked on numerous Alfred publications.

Working alongside longtime collaborator Marti Lunn Lantz, Brownsey has become known for creating accessible choral works that blend cultural diversity with seasonal themes. Their output includes well-received titles such as "Winter's Frost," "Japanese Snow Song," and "Santa Mash-Up," along with thematic song collections exploring global traditions and natural science. She has also co-written holiday music with Sally K. Albrecht. Her background in performance and recording production brings a practical understanding of what works for student singers and live performance settings.

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Why we love this

Hip-hop rarely appears in holiday concert programming, and this piece fills that void with genuine musicality rather than novelty. The moderate difficulty and 2-part voicing make it accessible to middle school choirs while keeping the energy and rhythmic character that make the genre appealing to both singers and audiences.

What to expect

Modern, energetic, and playful. The piece captures the conversational, rhythmic swagger of hip-hop while keeping the holiday spirit front and center. The blend of rap and sung melody creates dynamic contrast that keeps listeners engaged.

Who it's for

Middle school and early high school choirs looking to expand beyond traditional holiday repertoire. Directors seeking a secular Christmas piece with contemporary appeal and authentic stylistic grounding. Choirs confident enough to explore hip-hop as a legitimate musical genre.

How to get the most out of it

Nail the rhythmic precision in the rap sections by isolating those passages in rehearsal and locking the text delivery with the beat before combining with the melody.
Use the recorded accompaniment early and often to help singers internalize the groove and hip-hop style, which may feel unfamiliar to choirs without exposure to the genre.
Keep the energy steady throughout; resist the urge to rush the rap sections, which should feel locked with the backing track rather than frantic.
Balance clarity in the rap text with musicality in the sung portions so both elements shine equally.

How to use it

Program this in the second half of a holiday concert to shift the energy and surprise audiences expecting only traditional carols. It works especially well in a mixed program that includes one or two other contemporary pieces, signaling to the audience that your choir embraces diverse musical styles.