What Will Santa Claus Say?: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Shackley's arrangement captures Prima's signature playfulness while keeping the part-writing accessible for choirs with swing experience. The tight chromatic harmonies challenge intonation and blend in rewarding ways, and the novelty concept keeps energy high without requiring comedic overacting from your singers.

Buoyant and playful, this arrangement captures the spirit of a 1940s novelty swing number. The bouncy rhythm and quirky subject matter create an atmosphere of lighthearted fun, while the chromatic harmonies add harmonic sophistication that keeps musicians engaged and audiences grinning.

Choirs with solid ensemble skills and at least some exposure to swing or jazz voicing will find this piece both fun and musically worthwhile. It works especially well for groups ready to move beyond traditional Christmas fare and for directors seeking material that builds rhythm section confidence and jazz vocabulary. Singers enjoy the upbeat concept and the infectious melody.

• Lock the rhythm section into a tight swing feel before rehearsing full ensemble; the success of this piece hinges on relaxed, behind-the-beat phrasing rather than metronomic precision.
• Drill the chromatic harmony passages in sections, especially where parts move in contrary motion, to ensure clean voice leading and prevent tuning drift.
• Use the recorded accompaniment strategically during early rehearsals to establish the groove and tempo, then pull it back once your singers internalize the swing style.
• Emphasize the contrast between straight rhythmic passages and swung figures; this dynamic keeps the novelty element sharp and prevents the piece from sounding uniform.

Slot this into a winter or holiday concert as a palate cleanser between reverent carols or classical selections. It pairs beautifully alongside other swung pop or jazz arrangements, and its novelty character makes it an excellent closer if you want to send the audience out in high spirits.

• Swing rhythm interpretation and behind-the-beat phrasing
• Chromatic voice leading and intonation in close harmonies
• Jazz chord quality and harmonic function awareness
• Blend and balance in tight ensemble voicings
• Rhythmic independence within a syncopated ensemble texture