1, 2, 3, 4: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Tom Higgenson / arr. Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0005962
$2.10
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
The clever lyrics of this Plain White T’s hit are simply irresistible! “There’s only ONE thing TWO do, THREE words FOUR you: I love you.” This faithful arrangement captures the original acoustic rock feel and combines it with two oh-so-easy-to-sing vocal parts, including a memorable countermelody. Check out the band's official viral video that helped this sweet single climb the charts.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0005962
More about this title
About the Composer: Tom Higgenson
Tom Higgenson is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of Plain White T's, the Illinois rock band that emerged from the mid-2000s indie rock scene. His songwriting combines conversational lyrics with infectious melodies, and "1, 2, 3, 4" became one of the band's signature tracks, reaching platinum status and gaining massive reach through viral video performance. Higgenson's ability to craft memorable hooks from simple, emotional observations has made his catalog particularly appealing for educational choral arrangements.
Why we love this
Andy Beck's arrangement respects the song's original charm while making it genuinely singable for young voices. The countermelody creates textural interest without forcing anyone into uncomfortable ranges, and the acoustic rock foundation keeps the performance grounded in the song most students already know and enjoy.
What to expect
Genuine and unironic. The arrangement maintains the original's sweet simplicity, capturing that specific acoustic rock warmth without sacrificing the charm of the conceit. Singing it feels effortless and joyful, the kind of piece that reminds performers why they joined choir in the first place.
Who it's for
Middle and high school choirs looking for contemporary material that bridges pop and choral singing. The two-part voicing makes it accessible to younger ensembles or mixed groups with developing sight-reading skills, while the song's cultural relevance keeps student investment high.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the conversational tone of the lyrics. This isn't a formal piece; let the singers speak the text naturally, especially the rhythmic emphasis on the numbers (ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR).
- Balance the two parts so the melody and countermelody remain equally audible. The countermelody shouldn't disappear into the background.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the groove. The original's rhythmic pocket is crucial to the arrangement's identity.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a pops concert opener or a spring concert moment of levity between heavier repertoire. It's also ideal for recruiting performances in middle schools or informal settings where students encounter music they already love arranged for choir.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in pop/rock idioms
- Independent part singing with countermelody textures
- Conversational text delivery in contemporary vocal writing
- Listening for balance and blend across two parts