When Christmas Comes to Town (from The Polar Express): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
From The Polar Express
Words and music by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri / arr. Alan Billingsley
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0002580
$2.95
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
The animated film The Polar Express was released just in time for the 2004 holiday season. It featured one of the most enjoyable and varied musical scores of any recent movie release. The story within the movie is truly an affirmation of the spirit of human kindness and the spirit of giving. It reminds us to keep the spirit of the holidays with us all year round, no matter what holiday we celebrate. Alan Billingsley has captured all the beauty of the original movie score in this delightful choral setting.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0002580
More about this title
About the Composer: Glen Ballard
Glen Ballard is a multi-Grammy Award-winning composer and producer who has shaped popular music across film, television, and recording studios for decades. His work spans from scoring major motion pictures to producing and writing songs for internationally recognized artists, bringing a gift for melody and emotional storytelling to every project.
Why we love this
Alan Billingsley's arrangement honors the warmth and accessibility of the original film score while making it genuinely singable for mixed ensembles. The 3-part voicing sits comfortably across SAB ranges, and the harmonic language feels modern without demanding advanced vocal technique, making this a standout choice for groups seeking holiday repertoire with real emotional weight.
What to expect
The piece carries the warmth and quiet wonder of the film itself, with moments of gentle uplift that reflect the story's message of kindness and human connection. There's an inherent sincerity to the melody that invites singers to invest emotionally without requiring technical heroics.
Who it's for
This arrangement serves mixed choirs at the intermediate level who want accessible holiday material with genuine artistic substance. It works equally well for high school choirs, community ensembles, and adult groups looking to program something contemporary yet emotionally grounded.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melodic line with gentle phrasing rather than over-singing; the song's power comes from sincerity and restraint, not volume.
- Balance the three parts carefully in the chorus sections so no single voice line dominates the vertical harmony.
- Work the text expressively, especially around key phrases about keeping the Christmas spirit alive; let the lyrics guide your dynamic choices.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock tempos and find the right feel before working independently.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a closing or second-to-closing number in a holiday concert, especially if your program includes other movie-inspired arrangements or contemporary holiday songs. It also pairs effectively with more traditional carols, offering audiences a modern touchstone that many will recognize and appreciate.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing three independent melodic lines in mixed voicing
- Sustaining legato phrasing across longer phrases
- Coordinate Part changes in sustained sections while maintaining ensemble cohesion
- Interpreting text expression in contemporary harmonic language