Here We Come A-Caroling

Description

Voice 1, Voice 2, Voice 3, Piano — Here We Come A-Caroling (also known as Here We Come A-Wassailing) is an English carol first published around 1870. It is a Christmas or New Year’s carol that expresses the hope of happiness and prosperity for all. In nineteenth-century England, it was customary to sing carols door to door in wishing neighbors good health and cheer. Carolers would often be invited to share food, drink, or a warm fire. These practices continued for centuries, and are still alive today. Even now, some groups carol door to door on winter evenings, while others share holiday music at a shopping mall or concert hall. Throughout the years, caroling has changed, yet it remains a valued tradition during the holiday season.Begin singing the anthem with enthusiasm as if you were bringing good cheer to your friends and neighbors. Crescendo with each repetition of “Here we come a-caroling” in mm. 5–10 and 57–63. (Some simple choreography or props may be added during this section. Singers may even enter the stage wearing colorful hats or scarves.)The 6/8 verses should be very festive and dance-like. Keep the tempo steady as you move into the chorus in 2/2, then slightly accentuate each canonic entrance of “Love and joy” in mm. 20–22 and 45–46. Be careful with the ending “r” sound on the words “year” and “cheer; emphasize the “ee” vowel with the “r” sound on the cut-off. Conclude the anthem energetically on a strong, resounding “Fa, la, la, la”! About the Arranger Becki Slagle Mayo has been active as a church musician and music educator for the past thirty years. As a composer and arranger, she has published over 100 songs, choral anthems, and piano arrangements, including her own solo piano collection. Becki is a graduate of Campbellsville College in music education, with a master’s degree in piano performance from Mankato State University. Please visit Becki’s website at www.beckimayo.com to learn more. From the rollicking piano and vocal introduction until the final "fa-la-la-la!" mixed ensembles will experience the joy of the season while learning this well-known carol, also known as Here We Come A-Wassailing. What a wonderful expression of the happiness and prosperity we all hope to find during the holidays! Also available for SSA Voices (BL807) and TTB Voices (BL867).

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