Energetic and vigorous bowing will help give a sense of excitement to this lively piece. On the final note lift bows into the air!

This is an exuberant song that combines a typical campfire tune with a humorous poem about the penguin, permanently dressed in his black and white ‘dinner suit’. Actions and movement are essential requirements, so use this piece to explore a marching pulse and think imaginatively about how to incorporate some penguin-like movements into a performance. This arrangement uses two parts of the voice: pitched singing and rhythmic speaking. The two tunes (A and B) are performed alternately, though they may also be performed in canon.

With its swing feel, this song comes straight from the camels’ mouths (so to speak), bringing an element of mirth to the Christmas story. 'Camel train' may be sung in unison, but the refrain provides a seamless way into singing two- and three-part harmony, with a ‘voice-over’ part that should raise a smile.

'A belén pastores' is a splendid example of the Spanish villancico, a genre of poetic songs which dates back to the Renaissance period. Originally a type of folk song, villancico is now a style closely associated with Christmas carols. This characterful carol comprises two contrasting parts: the fast refrain, or estribillo, alternates with the slow verse, or copla. In this arrangement—mostly in English— the refrain has been bolstered with additional harmonies and rhythms. It is important to develop children’s knowledge and experience of language if we are to help them learn about cultures through singing, and this song provides a fascinating glimpse into the wonderful world of Spanish song.

'The light song' was written in 1989, when many exciting events for peace and unity were taking place in the world after the collapse of the Berlin Wall which had stood for 28 years. This song has a characterful melody which combines major, minor and modal scales, a clear ABA structure and ascending thirds in the harmony part.

This rousing song celebrates Christmas in different corners of the globe. With crafty compositional touches and musical quotations, it would make a great finale to a Christmas variety show and is sure to get everyone in the party mood. Its character is defined by driving rhythms, syncopation and extremes of pitch and dynamics. Plenty of energy is required, along with accurate and focused singing. The song’s wide vocal range makes it a great piece for those looking for a challenge.

'Hey!' juxtaposes a contemporary reggae-style song with a traditional carol, We three kings. The songs revolve around the partner keys of E minor and G major and the two-ina- bar (6/8) and three-in-a-bar (3/4) meters, which work in complement. The exuberant melody of Hey! is quirky and jerky but singers will pick it up quickly once they attune their ears to its style; We three kings is easier to learn, and is contrastingly legato, lilting and sober in mood.

Words 15th-cent. English, music by Peter Warlock, arranged by Nikki Iles

Words by James Montgomery, music trad. French, arranged by Nikki Iles

Words 19th century, melody by W.J. Kirkpatrick, arranged by Nikki Iles