Music composition

Jane L Williams - composer, lyricist, songwriter

jane@janewilliams.com

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WHERE'S FATHER CHRISTMAS?

Written for Adult Choir SATB, Junior Choir (split into two groups), Sleigh Bells, Tubular Bells (or Chime Bars or Handbells), optional Triangle, Tuba and piano.

This composition is fun, simple and light hearted. With some shops stocking their Christmas goodies from September onwards it is hardly surprising that children will frequently ask “How long ‘til Christmas?” - a bit like having children in the car on a long journey with them repeatedly asking “Are we there yet?”.  This song has the children repeatedly asking “Where’s Father Christmas?” with this part of the chorus based on the notes of a chiming clock and representing the march of time. The verses tell the story of how busy Santa is and all he has to do before Christmas.  It ends with the arrival of Santa and everyone whispering “Shhh, He’s here!”

Although this song is scored for  Adult and Junior Choirs, it may also be sung by all adults or all children.

The Sleigh Bells represent Santa’s sleigh and play quietly throughout as Santa is far away, then towards the end they get louder as Santa is getting closer, then just before the very end the Sleigh Bells stop suddenly because the sleigh has stopped outside and Santa is here!

The part for Tubular Bells/Hand Bells/Chime Bars (either may be used) symbolises a chiming clock which represents the passage of time towards Santa's arrival.  The notes used are: Middle C (40), D (42), F (45), G (47), A (49), C (52).

The last note of the piece is a Triangle solo, in fact it is the only note to be played on the Triangle.  It is optional and purely for humour.  The Triangle player can be a bit of an actor too – counting through so many bars rest that they fall asleep until nudged by a fellow performer during the final bars, thus in a panic the Triangle is played (as if by mistake) after everyone has whispered “Shhh, He’s here!”.  Alternatively the sleigh bells and triangle can both be played by a single percussionist without any acting.

The tuba part is jovially bumbling along portraying Santa himself.

As the lyrics are extremely ‘visual’ a children’s drama group could perform the story or the children's choir could be choreographed.

If you would like to know more or wish to see a copy of the score please contact:
Jane Williams     jane@janewilliams.com     01296 436464


A brand new light hearted fun piece written for Adult SATB Choir and Children's Choir by Jane Williams. This is an amateur recording at a Christmas Concert on 14/12/13 by Uxbridge Choral Society and Bledlow Ridge School Choir with Musical Director Jeff Stewart.
(Sorry the microphone was rather close to the Tuba!)

 
Where's Father Christmas
Lyrics PDF ©

Rehearsal Tracks for each of the SATB parts:

Sopranos and Children

 

Altos

 

Tenors

 

Basses

 

Backing tracks are available on request

Please observe the copyright:  This song may not be performed or recorded (sound or video) without the written consent of the composer.



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