Singable Solutions for Advent and Christmas
Is your choir short on time and singers, but you still want to sing music outside of our books? If so, this resource is for you!
The following octavos have been vetted by our team, and were selected due to quality of music, relevancy of message, and accessibility of vocal parts and accompaniment. We hope that you'll find these "singable solutions" to be useful in your Advent and Christmas worship this holiday season.
Click on the sheet music to be taken to the product page, and note that each octavo includes eprint options for quick delivery.
Also, note that downloadable accompaniment and vocal tracks are now included for a few of the octavos suggested here. If tracks aren't included for an octavo, it's because they don't exist on the publisher's website. We hope that these tracks will be helpful not only for rehearsal purposes, but also for use within the divine service experience, especially in those congregations where accompanists are either lacking or inconsistently available.
Advent
Bring Us Hope, An Anthem for Advent (Ruth Elaine Schram)
SAB or Two-part / Optional cello
"Choirs large and small will find this flexible anthem to be a tender, readily learned addition to their Advent programs. The message touches on several prominent themes, making it an ideal option to return to again and again: "Bring us hope, bring us love, bring us peace from above."
Come, Child of Light (Lloyd Larson)
SATB or Unison, Two-part / Optional C-instrument / Narration
"This contemplative anthem is designed for use during each of the four Sundays of Advent. With optional narration during and before each section, the anthem can be used for the lighting of the Advent wreath during each Advent Sunday. Well crafted, beautiful and effective!
Advent Noel (Anna Laura Page, Jean Anne Shafferman)
SATB or Two-part / Optional handbells
"Ring in the season with this lively arrangement of the French carol Sing We Now of Christmas, including a hopeful, scripture-based text for Advent. Adapted from the cantata "A Garland of Carols," this flexibly voiced piece is quickly prepared and features very easy optional handbell accompaniment. Make this special anthem a part of your choir's Advent offerings."
Come to My Heart (Tom Fettke, Thomas Grassi)
SATB or Two-part / Optional cello
"Featuring glorious harmonic color, this delightful piece incorporates a beloved Christmas carol arranged for choir. Flexible vocals make it easy to prepare and the optional cello part creates a truly memorable sound. Create a tender and meaningful moment for both choir and congregation in worship during the Christmas season."
Christmas
Joy to the World (Mark Patterson)
Unison, Two-part / Optional congregation involvement
"This exciting arrangement uses the traditional carol tune with a driving piano accompaniment. The arrangement may be sung in unison, or an optional second part may be added for more advanced singers. A simple glockenspiel part adds a smart texture to the piece and is easy enough to be played by young musicians."
Away In a Manger (John Ferguson)
SAB / Organ
"Using the tune CRADLE SONG, this anthem is written with the feel of a graceful Austrian Landler and is both accessible and versatile. The range works well for both adult and adolescent voices. This familiar carol was lovingly arranged by John Ferguson for his grandson. Consider including children's voices on the optional solo verse."
O Come, All Ye Faithful (Marty Parks)
SAB / Consider singing just a portion, maybe pages 2-5, either in worship or as a response hymn
"This is an intimate arrangement of a beloved carol. The music, set in 12/8 and gently propelled forward by the piano accompaniment, invites the listener to come and kneel before the Christ Child in quiet awe and wonder. This Singable Solutions Series anthem features carefully crafted vocal writing and can be easily learned by any choir."
SATB / Optional violin / Note the strong connection with the Christmas Day sermon!
"This original ballad for Advent, Christmas, or Epiphany exudes comfort and joy! Features wonderful lyrical writing for SATB choir, piano, and optional violin. Accessible choral parts make this a cinch to learn, offering directors an opportunity to develop musical expression."