Jingle Bells Medley
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay brought exuberance and playful charm to their concert, “Holly, Jolly, and Gay!”, with a spirited performance of Sam Cordon and Garrett Breeze’s arrangement of “Jingle Bells Medley” at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, on December 5, 2025. As one of the most recognizable holiday tunes, “Jingle Bells” was transformed into a lively showcase of creativity, humor, and choral precision that delighted the audience.
From the opening moments, the chorus established a sense of fun and theatricality. Cordon and Breeze’s medley weaves together familiar fragments of “Jingle Bells” in inventive ways, shifting styles, tempos, and textures to keep listeners engaged. The chorus embraced these contrasts enthusiastically, moving seamlessly from bold, full-ensemble passages to lighter, more playful sections that highlighted vocal agility and expressive range.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay demonstrated strong ensemble cohesion throughout the performance. Crisp diction, well-balanced harmonies, and confident rhythmic execution allowed the humor of the arrangement to land effectively without sacrificing musical integrity. Subtle dynamic changes and exaggerated musical gestures added to the sense of whimsy, inviting the audience to hear a beloved holiday classic through a fresh and entertaining lens.
Allendale United Methodist Church provided an ideal acoustic setting, allowing the chorus’s sound to bloom and resonate while preserving clarity. Laughter and smiles rippled through the audience as the medley unfolded, reflecting the infectious joy of the performance. In contrast to more reflective selections on the program, “Jingle Bells Medley” leaned fully into celebration and communal fun.
Within the broader context of “Holly, Jolly, and Gay!”, this performance served as a festive anchor, encapsulating the concert’s spirit of inclusivity, joy, and seasonal cheer. By reimagining a timeless holiday favorite, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay reminded listeners why familiar music continues to bring people together. The performance ended on a high note, leaving the audience energized, entertained, and fully immersed in the holiday spirit.