We Need A Little Christmas (from Mame) (arr. Ryan O'Connell): Choral Octavo
We Need A Little Christmas (from Mame) (arr. Ryan O'Connell) Sheet Music Preview

We Need A Little Christmas (from Mame) (arr. Ryan O'Connell): Choral Octavo

By Jerry Herman / As performed by Kimberley Locke / Arranged by Ryan O'Connell

Item: 35-DS01578030
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 9
SKU: 35-DS01578030

More about this title

About the Composer: Jerry Herman

Jerry Herman composed some of Broadway's most enduring melodies, with a gift for writing songs that audiences instinctively want to sing along with. His work across Mame, Hello, Dolly!, and La Cage aux Folles demonstrates a mastery of theatrical storytelling through music, rooted in clear harmonic language and memorable melodic lines that serve the text without overwhelming it.

For music educators, Herman's catalog offers accessible yet sophisticated material. His songs reward careful attention to lyrical phrasing and character, making them ideal vehicles for teaching singers how to connect emotional content with musical shape.

Why we love this

Ryan O'Connell's arrangement captures the infectious joy of this song while keeping the voicing manageable for community and school choirs. The familiar melody from Mame remains front and center, supported by bright harmonies that feel both contemporary and true to the original's spirit, making it work equally well at a December holiday concert or a spring pops show.

What to expect

Bright and propulsive, with a vaudeville-tinged energy that makes you want to move. The song radiates optimism and a little bit of theatrical mischief, inviting singers and audiences alike to believe in the power of music and togetherness to lift spirits.

Who it's for

Choirs seeking an uplifting, accessible holiday selection that works for singers of varying experience levels. The arrangement suits both school choirs and community ensembles looking for a piece that's genuinely fun to sing without demanding a virtuosic section.

How to get the most out of it

  • Anchor the rhythmic drive in the piano accompaniment; let the rhythm section feel the forward momentum so singers can relax into the groove rather than pushing the tempo.
  • Shape the phrase "We need a little Christmas right this very minute" as one complete thought, resisting the urge to pause at the lyrical breaks. This maintains the urgency and playfulness the text demands.
  • Balance the parts carefully in sectional rehearsals so that no single voice line drowns out others. The charm of this arrangement lives in its blend, not in any one standout voice.
  • Find the character in the story: singers are making a case for celebration when things feel dark. Let that purpose color every phrase.

How to use it

Use this as an energizing finale or opener on your December concert, especially effective when paired with more reflective holiday fare. It also works beautifully in a spring pops concert or end-of-year celebration, where its message about finding joy in the present moment resonates beyond the winter season.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining rhythmic precision in syncopated passages
  • Balancing blend across multiple voice parts
  • Connecting lyrical storytelling to musical phrasing
  • Sustaining energy and character through repeated sections
  • Singing in a legit Broadway style with clear diction

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