The first 45 seconds provide a collage overview of what's to come, as arranger Mark Hayes sets the stage for this magnificent four-minute Christmas fanfare. Enjoy the glorious strains of "Ding Dong! Merrily on High," the cheerful fa-la-la's of "Deck the Hall," and a rollicking rendition of "Jingle Bells." Then just before the big finish, singers recap all three for an impressive finale! Assemble brass and percussion to perform with the superb SoundPax.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

With words adapted from the poem "Welsh New Year's Eve," this dance-like setting is a festive choice for wintertime concerts. The hand drum and bell parts are optional but enhance the new-age feel, and the easy-to-achieve mixed meter fits perfectly. Four refreshing voicings to choose from.

Arranger: Dave and Jean Perry | Composer: Jean Perry

An earnest soloist is accompanied by the soulful "oo"s of an a cappella choir during the expressive introduction to this spirited original. Soon we take a turn as the piece bursts into an exciting, rhythmic, and polyphonic tour de force. Thrilling in all voicings!

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: John Parker

A lively, a cappella chorus opens and closes this original Christmas spiritual with a sweet rubato chorale in the middle. Composed in a traditional style with a contemporary flair, each section of the choir has a moment to shine, especially the basses/baritones--singing spirited interjections throughout.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Feature two outstanding accompanists at the piano with this exceptional arrangement of the favorite Christmas carol, "Angels We Have Heard on High." From its rhythmic opening, through the fresh a cappella section, to its spectacular finish, you'll marvel at Philip Kern's energized arrangement. Full, contemporary choral singing in every voicing. A full-sounding SoundTrax CD featuring the 4-hand piano part is also available.

Arranger: Philip Kern

From the first shimmering chords of the introduction to the final flourish of an uplifting descant, this artistic song paints an acoustic picture. Poetic words, progressive harmonies, and a piano part that your accompanist will love to play provide a vivid backdrop for a solid choral experience.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Enjoy this original a cappella Christmas spiritual with optional bongo drum accompaniment. A slower contrasting middle section quotes a bit of "Go, Tell It on the Mountain." Features optional solos and descant. Exciting and rhythmic. And church choirs will enjoy it, too.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

Wow! A fast swing intro punctuated by piano, bass, drums, and finger snaps leads into a jazzy arrangement of the traditional spiritual unlike any you've ever heard. The excitement grabs your ear right away and doesn't let up, building to an impressive climax at the end. Add your own rhythm section (parts are free online) or our smokin' SoundTrax CD for extra effect.

Arranger: Tom Fettke

Rhythmic. Passionate. Scintillating. Take a good look at this vibrant multicultural feature by Jay Althouse. You simply cannot sit still as this sizzling song captures you with its infectious Latin groove and harmonic progression. With a text in both English and Spanish, El Ritmo de la Noche speaks to the sound and spirit of music as an essential life force. "You move me; you are my emotion." A pronunciation guide and translation are included, and the optional SoundTrax or SoundPax, and choreography video or DVD will add to your performance. Featured on the new staging DVD/Video "On the Stage!" (DVD #23037, Video #23129).

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

Feel the joyful lilt of this traditional Spanish Christmas carol, rendered beautifully in the original language. This well-crafted arrangement offers solid choral scoring and a sturdy piano accompaniment for the festive nativity-themed text. A comprehensive translation/pronunciation guide is included, and optional percussion parts are available free online.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Edge-of-your-seat excitement! Substantial contrasts in dynamics and articulation make this arrangement of the traditional spiritual a fitting entry point into the study of the style. Embrace the drama and storytelling of the classic struggle between the Israelites and Pharaoh, while knowing that you're also giving your singers solid choral repertoire.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

What happens when you cross a beloved Christmas carol with the hip and asymmetric rhythms of "Take Five"? This does! A satisfying mix of the familiar and the fresh, the arrangement applies jazz articulation, harmony, and style in a way that's both exciting and accessible. All voice parts get a turn with the melody as well as a fun "doo bop" accompaniment! Optional parts for flute and vibraphone are free online.

Arranger: Russell Robinson

Here's a rousing mini-medley of three favorite spirituals in less than three minutes! A grand choral fanfare gives way to a jubilant tour through "Great Day," "In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin'," and "My Lord, What a Mornin'"---including some mingling of themes at the end. Strong part-writing makes individual lines straightforward, and a full range of dynamics creates excitement.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

Everything you have come to love and expect from a Jay Althouse Christmas spiritual, and a whole lot more. Lively and quick lyrics, solid rhythmic hooks, and refreshing parallel chords fill every phrase, followed by melodic riffs from the men's section. A contrasting middle section gently holds back before the A section returns including a well-written modulation and rousing descant over the final flourish. A great addition to your choral library.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

Celebrate the baby's birth in Bethlehem with this change-of-pace a cappella spiritual, set in a walking tempo with four optional percussion parts (available free at alfred.com/choralparts). Feel and hear the Christmas story come alive!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht | Composer: Jay Althouse

This popular American folk song has never sounded so unique. Mark highlights the weight of the lyric with a strong 6/8 gospel feel and bluesy sonorities. Includes echoed choral entrances as well as some fully harmonized divisi. The piano accompaniment and optional rhythm section parts add a sense of soulfulness.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Tambourine and hand drum enhance the dance-like character of this Spanish villancico that dates back to the Renaissance era. This arrangement makes brilliant use of varied a cappella textures, from soloists over solid block chords to vigorous rhythmic interplay between voice parts. A true standout Christmas selection for discerning choirs.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

A warm adagio introduction breaks into a joyous iHosanna” chorus in this 44-measure homophonic masterwork. Taken from Schubert's Mass No. 4, this edition offers sensible vocal ranges, editorial dynamic and metronome markings, plus a complete IPA guide for the brief Latin text. The orchestral parts have been reduced to a playable piano accompaniment while preserving the Classical characteristics of the original work.

Arranger: Patrick M. Liebergen

A well-constructed original a cappella Christmas spiritual built upon a memorable chorus of interlocking rhythms. The gripping minor key, dramatic dynamic contrasts, and a compelling modulation will make for an impressive holiday performance.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Feature your best solo crooner(s) on this '50s inspired a cappella chorus that begs Santa for a timeless teen wish: "Won't you bring me someone to love?" The choir serves equally as the featured act (of the chorus and bridge) and the backup singers (for two dreamy verses). The final falsetto phrases and 7th chord cadence deliver a sweet doo-wop ending.

Arranger: Andy Beck | Composer: Andy Beck

This text-driven setting of Rossetti's treasured poem is top-tier. A well-developed choral interlude sounds like swirling winds with round vowels and captivating harmonies to spare. Most notably, Jay's masterful text painting weaves the sound of the breeze throughout. Artful. Haunting.

Composer: Jay Althouse