We Wish You a Merry Christmas: 2-Part Choral Octavo
We Wish You a Merry Christmas Sheet Music Preview

We Wish You a Merry Christmas: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Arr. John Kinyon

Item: 00-PO-0004520
Digital Download
$2.25

Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Description

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
SKU: 00-PO-0004520
Instrumentation: Opt. Concert Band

More about this title

About the Arranger: John Kinyon

John Kinyon

John Kinyon earned degrees from Ithaca College and the Eastman School of Music, followed by an honorary doctorate from Limestone College. Throughout his career, he has directed instrumental music programs, served as educational director for Warner Brothers Music in New York, and taught music education at the University of Miami.

Kinyon is known for his extensive catalog of educational compositions spanning over 250 published works with Alfred. His pieces range from Grade 1 to Grade 3 and encompass marches, ballads, overtures, and arrangements across multiple styles. He has maintained a semi-retired presence in Tuckasegee since 1982 while continuing to contribute to choral and instrumental literature.

Why we love this

Kinyon's arrangement respects the melody every singers knows while creating genuine two-part writing that doesn't resort to unison or simplistic doubling. The optional band instrumentation makes this a flexible choice for programs where instrumental support strengthens the choral sound, and the 8-page format suggests a straightforward, teachable arrangement that works for mixed-ability choirs.

What to expect

Straightforward and genuine, this arrangement honors the carol's timeless simplicity while adding the gentle complexity of real harmonic support. The optional band parts invite a fuller, more celebratory sound without overwhelming the singers' voices.

Who it's for

Middle and high school choirs seeking a warm, accessible arrangement of a perennial holiday favorite, as well as directors programming winter concerts with singers of varying experience levels. The 2-part voicing makes it suitable for beginning or younger singers while remaining musically satisfying for more advanced groups.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the two parts carefully during rehearsal by having singers occasionally swap lines so they hear both melodic and harmonic roles with equal clarity.
  • If adding the optional band parts, let the choir establish the musical foundation first before layering in instrumental support during full rehearsals.
  • Shape the phrasing with natural breath points and modest dynamic peaks to avoid a march-like, rigid quality that can flatten this familiar melody.

How to use it

This works perfectly as a finale or encore number that brings audiences into the season immediately, especially when the optional band instrumentation amplifies the festive energy. Its accessibility and familiarity also make it ideal for community sing-alongs, holiday assemblies, or early rehearsal choices when winter concert preparation begins.

Skills your students will build

  • Two-part harmonic awareness and balance
  • Sight-reading of independent vocal lines
  • Maintaining line integrity while blending with another part
  • Phrasing and breath management in a short, repeating structure

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