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Description
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Kirby Shaw's influence on choral music education spans five decades and six continents. With formal training in choral composition and conducting from San Jose State University and the University of Washington, Shaw has built a career on making music accessible, engaging, and deeply musical. He founded and directed acclaimed vocal jazz ensembles at three universities, studied improvisation with legends like Bobby McFerrin and Al Jarreau, and has seen his work performed globally.
Shaw's prolific output of over 2500 choral arrangements and compositions reflects both his compositional skill and his understanding of what singers need. His music has sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide, earned multiple ASCAP awards, and caught the attention of major institutions including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Beyond the page, Shaw is known for bringing humor and infectious energy to everything he teaches, a quality evident in every arrangement he creates.
Why we love this
Shaw knows how to capture the spirit of a song and translate it for singers without losing the energy that made the original unforgettable. This medley proves it: he's packed genuine fun into a 45-page octavo that your choir will actually want to rehearse. The arrangements sit comfortably in the voices while maintaining the drive and character of 80s pop.
What to expect
Nostalgia mixed with genuine musicality. The 80s sound is instantly familiar, yet Shaw's arranging keeps it sophisticated enough that singers and audiences both feel the craft underneath the fun. Expect joy, movement, and moments where the harmonic writing adds depth to melodies people already love.
Who it's for
Any SATB choir seeking a high-energy concert piece or pops show selection. This works especially well for community choirs, show choirs, and school groups looking to connect with audiences through repertoire that spans a recognizable era.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the rhythm section carefully in rehearsal. If your accompaniment track includes drums and bass, have those sections lock in first before adding the vocal lines. This creates the foundation the arrangement needs.
Work through the transitions between songs as distinct moments. Shaw structures them musically, not abruptly, so practice how you'll move from one hit to the next with intentionality.
Let the pop idiom breathe in your diction. These songs thrive on conversational, forward-moving articulation. Avoid overly choral vowel shapes; stay with the style.
Consider your soloist or featured voices early. A medley this energetic often features individuals or small groups on certain sections. Casting intentionally will shape how the whole arrangement comes together.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece of a pops concert, a set closer before intermission, or a standalone shorter show built entirely around 80s hits. The medley format makes it ideal for fundraisers and community events where repertoire familiarity matters. It also works beautifully as a refreshing change of pace in a concert that leans toward classical or art song.
Skills your students will build
Managing longer, multi-sectional arrangements with clear structural awareness
Singing pop idiom with appropriate stylistic diction and articulation
Balancing ensemble blend across distinct musical sections and key areas
Reading and executing rhythmic patterns typical of 1980s pop production
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