Winter Has Begun: SATB Choral Octavo
By Gene Grier and David Bryant / arr. Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0004351
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Dazzle your audience with this sparkling wintertime song full of upbeat energy to spare. Bundle in the sounds of light pop rhythms, cheery lyrics, and a bright SoundTrax CD. Appropriate November through March.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0004351
More about this title
About the Composer: Gene Grier
Gene Grier built a prolific career as a composer, educator, and recording artist whose works appeared in catalogs from major international publishers. Over 1,000 of his compositions span children's musicals, cantatas, solos, piano collections, and educational texts. He earned the ASCAP Popular Song Writing Award 29 times and saw 11 of his children's recordings nominated for Grammy Awards.
Beyond composition, Grier shaped the choral music industry as President of EverGreen Morning Press and Birdsongs Unlimited, both influential publishing ventures. He served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of J.W. Pepper's Detroit operation and held an editorial position at The Lorenz Corporation. An active church musician throughout his life, he remained committed to singing in both adult and men's choirs while continuing to compose.
Why we love this
Winter Has Begun captures the infectious energy that makes secular holiday repertoire sing in concert. The light pop rhythms and upbeat character give your choir a chance to showcase joy and precision without the weight of reverent winter repertoire, and the recorded accompaniment keeps everyone locked in through the fun.
What to expect
Bright and forward-moving, with the kind of buoyant melody and harmonic warmth that makes audiences smile. The writing sparkles without demanding technical heroics, inviting singers to enjoy the moment rather than strain for effect.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking accessible, energetic repertoire that lands well with audiences during the winter concert season. This arrangement works for intermediate to advancing choirs comfortable with pop idioms and light rhythmic complexity.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the rhythmic drive steady from the first entrance; the pop idiom demands consistent pulse, so establish a clear tempo with your section leaders before rehearsal begins.
- Balance the brightness across all four parts rather than letting any voice dominate; this style depends on blend and sparkle, not individual projection.
- Articulate consonants crisply on the cheerful lyrics to let the upbeat character land with precision.
- Use the recorded accompaniment in early rehearsals to anchor chord changes and establish the rhythmic feel, then gradually reduce reliance as the choir internalizes the groove.
How to use it
Program this alongside more introspective winter selections to anchor the upbeat first half of your concert, or use it as a finale to send audiences out on a high note of cheer. Its 12 pages and pop sensibility make it a perfect pairing with other Alfred Choral Designs selections that share similar accessibility and style.
Skills your students will build
- Singing pop-inflected rhythms with accuracy and style
- Maintaining consistent pulse in light pop groove
- Blending four-part harmony in a contemporary idiom
- Following recorded accompaniment while staying independent