Christmas Lights

by John Riggio

It seems like every town has its own unique display of Christmas lights - creative and inspiring, simple or elaborate, everything from traditional lights to neon trees and beyond. "Christmas Lights" is designed to spread the warm holiday fuzzies! The melody is very singable and part 2 is optional, though if some of your singers are up for the challenge, it really is lovely with the melody. Should you wish to attempt part 2, you might want to have a select group of singers set aside. We're guessing some older girls would be up for the task.

This song also lends itself very well to scenery, such as a Christmas tree, as part of the set - all lit up, of course! Stage lighting to set the mood would also be nice. Lots and lots of Christmas lights strung all over the performance area would accomplish this easily. Turn off the main lights if you can during the song. If you have lots of Christmas lights on, the area will take on a soft glow. Do you have a snow machine you can use? That would also be a nice addition to the performance.

If you have the means, let some students play along on simple rhythm instruments. Jingle bells, sleigh bells, bell tree, triangle, finger cymbals - any tinkly instrument will do. Just have them keep it light. Perhaps only let them enter here and there or alternately to keep it from overwhelming. On the recording, we let our jingle bells continue at the end of the song "into the distance." Your players could join in, if you like.

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.