A Soulful 70's Snapshot (Medley): SATB Choral Octavo
A Soulful 70's Snapshot (Medley) Sheet Music Preview

A Soulful 70's Snapshot (Medley): SATB Choral Octavo

Arranged by Kirby Shaw

Item: 35-DS01457008
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$3.25
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 22
SKU: 35-DS01457008

More about this title

About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw's influence spans continents and decades. With formal training in music education, choral composition, and conducting from San Jose State University and the University of Washington, he has presented clinics and workshops across North America, Europe, and beyond. His career includes founding and directing acclaimed vocal jazz ensembles at multiple institutions, most recently leading the Jefferson State Choral Coalition at Southern Oregon University.

A prolific composer and arranger with more than 2500 works in publication, Shaw's output has generated millions of copies in circulation worldwide and earned him multiple ASCAP recognitions. His collaborative relationships span from work with celebrated jazz vocalists like Bobby McFerrin and Al Jarreau to a recent commission from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Beyond arrangements, Shaw continues creating original theatrical works, including a musical adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol co-written with his wife.

Why we love this

Shaw captures the essence of 1970s soul and funk with voicings that feel authentic to the era while remaining accessible for high school and community choirs. The medley format lets you program genuine period flavor without the commitment of multiple separate selections, and the SATB texture opens the piece to ensembles at various development stages.

What to expect

Warm, groove-centered, and unmistakably rooted in the soulful swagger of the 1970s. The medley carries genuine energy and rhythmic drive, with moments of silky harmony that capture the era's emotional depth alongside its undeniable fun.

Who it's for

Choirs seeking authentic period repertoire without sacrificing accessibility will find this medley invaluable. It works equally well for show choirs, concert choirs, and community ensembles that want to celebrate soul and funk without requiring extended rehearsal time.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the dynamics across the entire medley to reflect how the original records breathe; let softer passages settle into the pocket before building again.
  • Check your rhythm section's lock on the groove early, since groove-oriented arrangements need that foundation solid before the choir layers in.
  • Encourage singers to listen to the original 1970s recordings so they internalize the phrasing and tone colors Shaw references in his voicings.
  • Balance the blend carefully in moments where upper and lower voices carry distinct melodic lines; too much solo soprano can flatten the ensemble sound.

How to use it

Position this in a concert devoted to genre surveys or popular music history, where it can anchor a set of period pieces spanning rock, soul, and funk. It also serves as an excellent opener or closer for spring concerts, bringing instant engagement and a celebratory mood that audiences recognize immediately.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining groove and pulse in syncopated rhythms
  • Navigating soul and funk phrasing conventions
  • Balancing blend when multiple melodic lines appear simultaneously in different voice parts
  • Understanding and performing from era-specific arranging techniques
  • Responding to stylistic demands beyond classical or traditional show choir repertoire

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