A Time for Joy

The Carol A Time for Joy was written back in early January 2000. At the time I was studying for my degree and had taken a course entitled 'composing and arranging for young people.' As part of the course we had to compose and arrange pieces for young musicians and beginners. Two pieces that I wrote for the course were Caronte's Voyage - for String Orchestra and A Time for Joy (SSA & Orchestra). I vividly remember the composing process. I had written the main tune back in 1999 and had decided to resurrect it for the coursework I needed to complete over Christmas. Unusually for me, I have left this piece to the last minute which resulted in me having to carry out the orchestration of the piece whilst visiting family between Christmas and New Year. The orchestration and copied score was therefore completed in Cambridge on the 12th January 2000. The carol has proved very popular since then (a part from securing me a 1st for the module). A number of versions have been produced over the years. The original SSA & Orchestra version was condenses to make SSA & Piano. This version was performed at Brigidine Convent at Christmas 2001. The piece was performed in the same version at Furze Platt Senior School two years later.

A new version was created for Junior Choir, SATB and Orchestra (completed 10th Sep. 2006). This version ironed out all the mistakes in the original orchestral version and extended the vocal parts. Another version was requested by Andy Pearce of The Ravensbourne School. It was compelted on the 28th of October 2006 and enlaraged the orchestra with saxophones and re-arranged the vocal parts for Junior Choir (S) and Chamber Choir (SSA). A further arrangement was made at the same time for orchestra, SATB and children's choir. In August 2007, a version for SATB and piano was made for Voices Anon to perform at their Christmas concert in December 2007.

The score and parts can be bought for £30 which will entitle you to perform the piece and make copies of the parts as required for your performance. Buyers can choose from having hard copies posted to them or PDFs emailed. If you would like to request a new arrangement of the piece, please email me.

On the cold, cold nights when day is short and the snow falls gently from the sky.
Children play with glee hope expectantly for the sleigh-bells ringing out of sight.
Decorated houses with twinkling lights, here the carol singing from a far.
Good will to all men, let peace be on earth again.

It's a time for joy and happiness and love for Christmas time is here, trees of silver and gold and tales of old we all have that Christmas cheer.

Three Kings came to Bethlehem guided only by a star,
to proclaim the day our saviour gave us hope and com-fort in his light.
Bearing gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh to a stable where Jesus lay.
Now darkness turns to light, Christ was born on Christmas day.

It's a time for joy and happiness and love for Christmas time is here, trees of silver and gold and tales of old we all have that Christmas cheer.

Three wise men came to Bethlehem following a star.
Choirs of an-gels gathered 'round the stable singing to our lord.

It's a time for joy and happiness and love for Christmas time is here, trees of silver and gold and tales of old we all have that Christmas cheer.