Joyful Noise

JOYFUL NOISE is a wake-'em-up, bouncy, cheerful song that is the official opening of the musical. It is written specifically for a large ensemble of children and adults to sing together. The song is performed twice during the Musical.

Joyful Noise was written by E.E. Buchanan.

First Version
The First Version of Joyful Noise begins with a loud fanfare, then immediately swings into a fast-paced 8-beat rock, with which it proceeds throughout the rest of the song. The bridge of the song is the first verse and chorus of the popular Christmas hymn Angels We Have Heard On High; after which it returns to the choruses (there are two different sets of lyrics for the chorus used, depending on where in the song you are). The final chorus contains a descant of "Gloria"s, for sopranos only.

Sample Lyrics
(Taken from the chorus)


 * Wake up, ev'rybody!
 * Join us now and sing!
 * Get up on your feet! Now
 * There's no time for sleeping!
 * Christmastime is here
 * So let the carols ring;
 * Celebrate the baby King!

Characters Involved

 * Alf and Roo (Duet first chorus and verse, optional Descant)
 * Children's Ensemble (Background Vocals, optional Descant)
 * Choir (Main Vocals)
 * Cast (Main Vocals, Optional Descant)

Second Version
The Second version of this song takes place during the finale. There is no difference in style or lyrics from the original; however, it is sung in a lower key than the original. Two choruses (the second one containing the "Gloria" descant) are sung, followed by a short segment of Angels We Have Heard On High's Chorus, and a long "Gloria!" held for two measures at the end.

Characters Involved

 * Children's Ensemble (Background Vocals, Optional Descant)
 * Cast (Main Vocals, Optional Descant)
 * Choir (Main Vocals)