SKU: AP.48403

UPC: 038081552262. English.

Cue that walkin' bass and sizzlin' hi-hat! Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's retro swing take on the Christmas novelty tune serves up something fresh and different. The familiar melody is jazzed up for a featured soloist (or an entire section) and punctuated by lightning quick interjections in tight treble harmony. Be sure to check out the SoundPax parts for your rhythm section!

SKU: GI.WW1857

UPC: 785147034162. English. Text source: Traditional spiritual.

Brandon Waddles' incredibly unique compositional voice comes through in this awesome arrangement of O, I Got a Light. The musical and textual sophistication of this work makes it suitable for both younger and more experienced treble singers.

SKU: CF.CM9773

ISBN 9781491164440. UPC: 680160923342. Key: C# minor. English. Christina Rossetti.

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,                                                       Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;                                                               Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,                                                             In the bleak midwinter, long ago.What can I give Him, poor as I am?                                                                                        If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;                                                                         If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;                                                                        Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.The text from this beloved poem of Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) was originally published in an 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly, under the title A Christmas Carol. In the first of its five stanzas, the speaker describes in great detail a bitingly cold winter scene, void of both warmth and light. By the final stanza, the speaker's thoughts turn inward, asking what gift they may offer the infant Jesus, meek though they believe themselves to be.The poem was later set by English composer Gustav Holst (1874–1934) as a contribution to the English Hymnal in 1906 and remains the most popular setting today.London-born Rossetti came to be regarded not only as one of the greatest female poets of her time, but as an outspoken advocate on several societal issues, including slavery and cruelty towards animals.In this setting, word painting is of the utmost importance. Careful attention to word stress throughout the course of the piece will make the performance all the more captivating. Descriptive lines such as “frosty wind made moan” should be conveyed with swelling crescendos, like frigid gusts of frozen air.While this piece features an original tune, the beloved Holst melody is also featured briefly, beginning in m. 28. Take care to bring this out.There are plenty of other allusions to wintry scenes scattered throughout the choral parts as well as the accompaniment. I encourage you to put your sleuthing “hats” on and find them all. It will make the learning experience much more memorable and fun.

SKU: CF.CM9772

ISBN 9781491164433. UPC: 680160923335. Key: G major. English. Words adapted from Angels from the Realms of Glory by JAMES MONTGOMERY (1771-1854).

I've always enjoyed celebratory and rhythmic singing.  I also know there's a need for this style in treble voices. The holiday season is a perfect time to create such a work.The text of The Angels' Gloria is based on the familiar Montgomery hymn with original music. This work can be easily be done as a call and answer or antiphonal setting. Try using it as a processional, too. Hearing the voices surround the audience is always exciting for everyone and a superb teaching and learning experience.The accompaniment is intentionally simple and bell-like, supporting the three-part harmonies. I've also created a B-section that is a cappella in full three-part singing, rich and full giving lots of contrast to the piece.There is so much good teaching throughout the piece, making for interesting rehearsals and a terrific performance piece. I hope this adds just the right sparkle for your Christmas or holiday program.—Greg Gilpin.