December Listening Calendar
12/1 Mamas and Papas California Dreaming (2:42) California Dreaming was originally sung by the Mamas and the Papas pop group in the 1960s. It has been re-recorded by various groups since that time, and is on the list of top 100 greatest pop songs of all time. This song is about someone missing warm sunny California while living in cold New York during the winter.
12/2 Anastasia’s Once Upon a December (4:12) Do you recognize this famous song from the movie, Anastasia?
12/3 George Michaels’ December Song (3:35) George Michael’s December Song was first released in 2008. The video features Mr. Michaels as a boy, and it shows his view of Christmas from a child's perspective, shown through the visualization of sunshine, lightbulbs, and motherly love.
12/4 Taylor Swift’s Back to December (5:10) Back to December is a famous song by pop/country singer Taylor Swift. Do you know this song?
12/5 The Original Classic Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (2:00) I can’t think of a more appropriate song for today, “Saint Nickolas Eve,” celebrated in Belgium and France.
12/6 In Honor of Saint Nickolas Day Jolly Old Saint Nickolas (1:10) Happy Saint Nickolas Day!
12/7 Glen Miller’s The Chattanooga Choo Choo (8:00) Today’s listening selection is in remembrance of the “Day of Infamy,” the attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941. This jazz tune was very popular on that date.
12/8 Suite from Polar Express (5:57) Enjoy this magical music from the popular movie, Polar Express.
12/9 George Winston’s Joy from "December" (3:19) George Winston is a talented pianist. He has many albums of soothing and lyrical music. This is a version of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring. It is a most inspiring musical selection for the holiday season.
12/10 A Traditional Song: O Hannukah (2:18) Today marks the beginning of Hannukah, “The Feast of Lights.” This celebration will last for 8 days. To one and all, Shalom, may peace be with you.
12/11 Ella Fitzgerald’s Frosty the Snowman (2:29) Enjoy this Christmas favorite sung by jazz legend, Ella Fitzgerald.
12/12 The Traditional Spiritual Mary Had a Baby (3:54) Mary Had a Baby is a famous African-American Spiritual. Enjoy this powerful and moving recording by the St. Olaf Choir.
12/13 Peter Tchaikovsky’s Winter Dreams (12:00) Winter Dreams comes from Symphony #1 by Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky also composed the Nutcracker Ballet.
12/14 Elvis Presley’s Blue Christmas (2:11) Elvis Presley’s Blue Christmas is considered a holiday classic and favorite. Elvis first recorded the song in 1957.
12/15 Celtic Woman’s Carol of The Bells (2:11) The Celtic Woman troupe is a very famous group of Irish singers joined by a talented violinist. They have given concerts several times in Shippensburg, so if you enjoy this video, you might look for a future concert to see them in person.
12/16 A Traditional Song Las Posadas (3:51) The celebration of the Posadas is an important Mexican Christmas tradition and features prominently in holiday festivities in Mexico. The celebrations take place on each of the nine nights leading up to Christmas, from December 16 to 24th.
12/17 Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride (2:54) This holiday favorite needs no introduction other than simply enjoy!
12/18 Arcangelo Corelli’s Christmas Concerto (14:19) Enjoy this calm and peaceful work by the famous Italian composer, Archangelo Corelli.
12/19 Alfred Reed’s Russian Christmas Music (13:55) This is a very famous band composition that will be of special interest to band students. Perhaps one day you might perform this music.
12/20 Peter Tchaikovsky’s Overture from the Nutcracker Ballet (1:38) No holiday celebration is complete without the wonderful and engaging music of the Nutcracker Ballet. I hope this music might inspire you to watch the entire production over the holidays.
12/21 Gustav Holst’s In the Bleak Midwinter (3:47) Contrary to what might be thought, the “midwinter” is actually the winter solstice on December 21. Hundreds of years ago, people named this date the “midwinter” because it was the darkest time of the year. Listen carefully to the choir as they weave this story with words.
12/22 Bing Crosby’s Winter Wonderland (2:39) Enjoy Bing Crosby singing this ever popular Christmas tune!
12/23 Charlie Brown’s Christmas Dance (3:02) This video needs no introduction! ☺
12/24 Alvin and the Chipmunk’s Christmas Don't Be Late (3:22) And I really hope this video needs no introduction. ☺ ☺
12/25 Frank Sinatra’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (3:32) Merry Christmas, friends. May peace always be with you.
12/26 A Song for Kwanzaa: Lift Every Voice and Sing (3:34) Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture held from December 26 to January 1. On the final day, gifts are often exchanged. Lift Every Voice and Sing is considered to the African- American National Anthem and most appropriate to start this joyful celebration.