Mack Wilberg – The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (SATB Choir)

Bring joyful energy to your Christmas concert with Mack Wilberg's vibrant arrangement of The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy. Based on the beloved traditional West Indian Christmas carol, this spirited setting bursts with rhythmic vitality, infectious calypso grooves, and colorful accompaniment that makes it an audience favorite year after year.

Scored for SATB choir and piano four hands, with optional percussion and double bass, this arrangement captures the festive spirit of Caribbean Christmas celebrations while showcasing Wilberg's masterful choral writing. It may also be performed with full orchestra, making it equally effective for school, community, university, and professional ensembles seeking a memorable holiday finale.

Popularized through performances by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, this exhilarating arrangement combines joyful storytelling, rich harmonies, and irresistible rhythmic drive to celebrate the birth of Christ with warmth and celebration.

Why You'll Love It

• Dynamic calypso-style arrangement of the traditional West Indian Christmas carol
• Arranged by internationally acclaimed composer and conductor Mack Wilberg
• Exciting SATB writing filled with rhythmic energy and joyful expression
• Flexible accompaniment options for ensembles of various sizes
• Perform with piano four hands alone or enhance with optional percussion and double bass
• Optional full orchestral accompaniment for larger holiday performances
• A favorite Christmas selection performed by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Perfect For

• Church Christmas concerts
• Community choruses
• University and college choirs
• Advanced high school choirs
• Holiday festivals
• Christmas worship services
• Seasonal pops concerts

Specifications

• Voicing: SATB
• Accompaniment: Piano four hands
• Optional Instruments: Percussion and double bass
• Alternate Version: SATB and orchestra
• Composer/Arranger: Mack Wilberg
• Based On: Traditional West Indian Christmas Carol
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Why Buy from Teton Music?

At Teton Music, we specialize in helping choir directors find inspiring sacred and holiday repertoire. As an authorized retailer of Mack Wilberg's celebrated choral music, we offer competitive pricing, fast shipping, and knowledgeable service. Whether you're programming a Christmas Eve service or a major holiday concert, we're here to help you find music your choir and audience will remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a traditional Christmas carol?

Yes. The piece is based on the traditional West Indian Christmas carol, arranged by Mack Wilberg in an energetic calypso style.

What accompaniment is included?

The standard edition includes piano four hands, with optional percussion and double bass. A version for SATB and orchestra is also available.

Is this appropriate for church performances?

Absolutely. It is an excellent choice for Christmas worship services, seasonal concerts, and community holiday performances celebrating the Nativity.

How difficult is this arrangement?

This arrangement is generally best suited for intermediate to advanced SATB choirs. The rhythmic precision, lively tempo, and energetic style are rewarding for ensembles comfortable with syncopated rhythms.

Has The Tabernacle Choir performed this arrangement?

Yes. Mack Wilberg's arrangement has been performed by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and has become one of their well-loved Christmas selections.