A Star, A Stable, A Song

Here is a complete Christmas musical that can be presented in just ten minutes.

A Star, A Stable, A Song began the way so many of my favorite projects do - with an idea from my dear friend and publisher Mark Cabaniss, who sometimes sends me just a title and trusts me to run with it. This one became something brand new: what Jubilate calls a "Musical in a Moment."

It's designed to be easily accessible for young singers in grades K-4. It's written for unison voices, with the occasional two-part option. Most of all, I wrote it to be possible: for the smallest choir, for a director with almost no rehearsal time, even for a church with no children's choir program at all.

The story is told from the point of view of the animals in the stable, the humble creatures who kept watch the night a King was born.

Three songs are woven together with simple, rhyming dialogue and a little opening fanfare. The lines are easy to memorize and can be divided among several children, or read by one person. Each song has its own unique musical style with familiar carols enhanced by original material. The costumes can be as elaborate or as simple as you like - a full outfit, or nothing more than jeans and tees and a headband with a pair of ears.

There's a gentle turn near the end that I won't give away here - except to say it involves a child, a sheep costume, and a message meant for every one of us.

Hear the Whole Musical

Jubilate posted a digital reading session, so you can hear all ten minutes and follow along with the score.

A Visit with Mark Cabaniss

Mark and I sat down to talk about the "Musical in a Moment" idea, the costumes, that sheepish moment at the end, and why there's no better time for children to sing than Christmas. I hope you'll watch.