Choral Choir (SATB) - Digital Download

SKU: A0.897947

By Kenny Chesney featuring Willie Nelson. By Willie Nelson. Arranged by Dana Usealman. A Cappella,Rock. Octavo. 6 pages. Dana Usealman #3691701. Published by Dana Usealman (A0.897947).

2018 Holiday Contest Entry

SSAATTB

This arrangement should be performable by a high school choir, but can also be appreciated by a more advanced choir.

Willie Nelson's iconic song, made famous by Roy Orbison, was written about a disabled street vendor that would sell gift wrap, ribbons, and pencils during the holiday season. It was later embellished and published as a short story. It's a beautiful, yet somber song, that reminds us that not everyone is jolly during the Christmas season. This is a good piece for the middle of a concert to provide a contrast to the typical Christmas genre or to bring awareness and support to those that struggle during the season.

Pretty Paper is typically a simple country song with swinging 8ths, but I've arranged it with full harmonies and straight 8ths for a completely different feel. You could still perform it with swinging 8ths if you'd like more of the original character of the piece. I originally thought it would be an a Capella arrangement and arranged all of the voice parts first, but felt it needed a bit more rhythmic pull and added the piano. It could still be performed a Capella for a more simple, thoughtful performance.