Noel

This traditional sounding Christmas tune can be used as a vocal warm-up and/or as a performance piece. It's a 3-part mixed song, though both the second and third parts are optional. The third part is written in a range that is more comfortable for lower, changing, or changed voices.

If you use it as a warm-up, you will definitely be focusing on support and breath control. Suggested breath marks are indicated on the music. You are also working on part singing, interval singing, dynamic control, and use of the head voice. Probably the most challenging aspect however, is the lyrics, believe it or not. While there is literally only one lyric in the whole tune, how it is sung is the tricky part! Singers will have to pay close attention. Have them look at the lyrics before trying to sing, and analyze where the words and syllables occur. Read or sing slowly at first, then speed up as they are catching on.

If you want to make it even more challenging once singers have learned it, consider playing it at faster tempos. You can do this by playing the piano part live or letting them sing it a cappella (which we think they would no doubt enjoy).

For help with learning, we have created rehearsal tracks of all three parts on our web site. For just showing off, we have also included the a cappella version. (See below for details.)

For a performance, we do recommend using the recording. There is a wonderful brass choir accompaniment which includes trumpets, horns, euphoniums, trombones, and tuba. It doesn't quite sound the same on just piano.

Online extras - The free, downloadable tracks mentioned can be found under the "Graphics and Extras" for Volume 18, No. 2 at MusicK8.com