Thank you for joining us this evening. Your presence and support mean more than words can express—not only to our singers and artistic team, but to the mission of bringing music, community, and shared joy together during this season. We are grateful for your continued encouragement of the arts and for celebrating this music with us tonight.

Please continue reading below to view our program notes - and Enjoy the show!

Program Notes

I Saw Three Ships

arr. Mack Wilberg
This traditional English carol dates back several centuries and remains a favorite for its buoyant melody and joyful spirit. Mack Wilberg’s arrangement brings clarity and rhythmic vitality, weaving energetic lines between voice parts while maintaining the charm of the original tune. The piece opens the program with a sense of anticipation and celebration.

Frosty the Snowman

arr. Kirby Shaw
First introduced in 1950, Frosty the Snowman quickly became a beloved holiday song across generations. Kirby Shaw’s arrangement transforms the familiar melody into a swinging, jazz-inflected choral work, full of playful rhythms and colorful harmonies that capture the whimsical personality of the song.

Sleigh Ride

arr. Kirby Shaw
Originally composed by Leroy Anderson as an orchestral piece, Sleigh Ride evokes the sounds and excitement of a winter outing. Shaw’s vocal adaptation recreates the iconic imagery—clopping hooves, brisk winds, and joyful laughter—through inventive vocal textures and lively pacing, making it a perennial audience favorite.

One December, Bright and Clear

arr. Mack Wilberg
This carol blends traditional English text with a lyrical and contemplative musical setting. Wilberg’s arrangement emphasizes warmth and transparency, allowing the story of Christ’s birth to unfold with gentle beauty. The piece offers a moment of calm reflection amid the season’s excitement.

Betelehemu

arr. Wendell Whalum
Rooted in Nigerian folk tradition, Betelehemu joyfully proclaims the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Wendell Whalum’s arrangement honors its cultural origins through rhythmic vitality, call-and-response patterns, and infectious energy. The result is a celebration that invites both performers and listeners into shared rejoicing.

Mary, Did You Know?

arr. Pentatonix
This modern Christmas classic poses a series of reflective questions about Mary’s understanding of her child’s divine destiny. The Pentatonix arrangement highlights emotional intimacy through lush harmonies and expressive dynamics, allowing the text to resonate with quiet power and reverence.

Jingle Bells

arr. Mark Hayes
One of the most widely recognized holiday songs in the world, Jingle Bells was originally written for Thanksgiving celebrations. Mark Hayes’ arrangement brings fresh energy and musical surprises while preserving the song’s familiar charm, making it both engaging and delightfully festive.

See Amid the Winter’s Snow

arr. Dan Forrest
Written in the 19th century, this hymn reflects on the humble circumstances of Christ’s birth. Dan Forrest’s setting combines lush harmonies with expressive phrasing, creating a sense of awe and reverence that invites listeners to pause and reflect on the meaning of the season.

Patapan

arr. Brent Wells
A lively French carol dating back to the 17th century, Patapan features rhythmic drive and celebratory momentum. This arrangement highlights the joyful proclamation of the Christmas message through energetic rhythms and bright choral textures.

He Never Failed Me Yet

arr. Robert Ray
This gospel anthem is a declaration of faith, resilience, and gratitude. Robert Ray’s arrangement builds gradually, combining strong rhythmic elements with heartfelt expression, culminating in a powerful affirmation of trust and hope.

Hallelujah Chorus

from Messiah — George Frideric Handel
Composed in 1741, Handel’s Messiah remains one of the most celebrated works in choral literature. The Hallelujah Chorus concludes the second part of the oratorio with triumphant praise and grandeur, offering a fitting and exhilarating conclusion to the program.

Special Thanks

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Karen Oakman, Angela Andersson, Beth Bobo, and Jacoby Greenberg for their time, dedication, and countless hours of hard work and volunteering.

We also gratefully thank Victoria Lane and West Orange High School for generously providing rehearsal space and ongoing support.

We truly could not do this without all of you.