Recital Music has developed a large, exciting and eclectic catalogue of Christmas music for choirs in recent years. Some works are published for the first time, others are in new editions, and we aim to provide accessible and enjoyable choral music for choirs of all ages and abilities. Enjoy!

Shout for the King! is a joyous and vibrant carol for junior choir and piano. It's Latin-American influence has proved popular with choirs and audiences alike and a double bass and percussion can easily be added for extra energy and atmosphere.

Chord symbols are included for optional double bass or guitar accompaniment.

The composer writes: 'Shout for the King! was composed one evening in December 2004. At the time I was training as a Primary School teaching assistant and involved in playing the piano for the school's various Christmas musical events and concerts. It was the first time I had written both lyrics and music, which both came to me at the same time. I subsequently taught the song to the children in the days which followed, which they loved, and it was the first time a 'real' composer had written anything for them. A week later it was premiered at the school carol concert with me playing the piano.

I have always wanted to write a new and catchy Christmas carol, drawing influences from all the familiar ones we know and love every Christmas. I also wanted the melody of the verses and chorus to be catchy and repetitive, and would be easy and enjoyable for junior choirs to learn. I have always had a fondness for Latin-American rhythms, hence the happy groove which I think add to the appeal!'

Born in Cardiff in 1975 and trained in piano and flute at school Jay Mackie studied composition as an undergraduate at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama from 1997-2000 and completed an MMus gaining a distinction in Composition in 2004.

At college Jayson received three scholarship prizes for composing where his Wind Quintet was a featured work at the ISCM's World Music Days Inter-Collegiate Composer Showcase in 1998. In 2000 he received a joint commission from the Welsh Arts Council and National Lottery to write the music for a children's theatre piece : The Big Stink, a cautionary tale demonstrating to children the importance of recycling and looking after our planet.

Currently Jayson is a founder member of a newly formed group: Cardiff New Music Collective, comprising graduate composers from The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and their own musicians who perform newly-composed chamber music at venues throughout South Wales.

As well as being an active composer, Jayson is also a learning support and music assistant in a primary school and private music tutor.