A selection of superb well-crafted orginal a cappella Christmas sprituals. "Good News" opens with an energetic melody sung by the low voice with the upper three voices singing in counterpoint above. Rhythmic energy develops the piece and it ends with an electrifyimg eight measure coda that's the pinnacle of excitement. No solos, no tempo changes make for quick learning. In the classic spiritual tradition, yet fresh and contemporary." Whisper! Whisper!" has strong dynamic contrasts (from "Whisper, whisper, tiny baby in a manger lay" to "Shout it out from the hills and valleys; baby born today") make this a winner for your choir. A lush middle section contrasts with the rhythmic excitement of the opening theme. Brief, easy solos for male singer. Who's That Baby?" opens with the basses asking, in a hushed, rhythmic melody, "Who's that baby in a manger bed?" The text is classic spiritual style, but the music is anything but... it's fresh, new, and alive! "Have You Heard?" features contrasting dynamics (excellent for teaching phrasing), male solos, and a tender middle section which contrasts with the hushed excitement of the opening and closing melody. Includes a descant on the final chorus.

Songlist: Good News!, Who's That Baby?, Whisper! Whisper! ( Baby Born Today ), Have You Heard?, Look Up, Children

A new, original Christmas spiritual by Jay Althouse in the tradition of his top-selling "Whisper!, Whisper!," "I saw a Star," and "Star of Glory." "Come, See The Baby" features much three-part singing over a solid, traditional bass part, as well as an echo section between the women and the men. Sudden dynamic changes are powerful and effective (and simple to sing). "Have You Heard The News" is 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. If you're having trouble finding a good, singable spiritual, look no further! Patsy Simms' arrangement of the traditional "Good News" is your choice. Features a rollicking piano accompaniment, some handclapping and a swinging descant on the final chorus. "Festival Deck The Hall" is a fresh and contemporary a cappella approach to a traditional carol. Jay Althouse has added wonderful new rhythms and harmonies, and has added a completely unique "fa la la" section reminiscent of a Swingle Singers arrangement. The first part of each phrase is true to the original carol; it's the "fa la la's" which take off in a whirlwind of choral excitement. Original, exceptional...and your singers will love it! Also included in thiis package is "Look-A That Star," "Who's That Baby," and "The Twenty-Fifth Day Of December."

Songlist: Look-A That Star, Who's That Baby?, Have You Heard the News?, The Twenty-Fifth Day of December, Good News!, Festival Deck the Hall