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

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

Arranged by Kirby Shaw

Item: 35-DS01457026
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$3.25
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 22
SKU: 35-DS01457026

More about this title

About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw's influence on choral music education spans decades and continents. With formal training in music education, choral composition, and conducting from San Jose State University and the University of Washington, Shaw has built a career defined by innovation and mentorship. He founded and directed the celebrated COS Vocal Jazz Ensemble at College of the Siskiyous and later established similar programs at Colorado State University and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. His work with vocal improvisation earned him recognition from jazz luminaries including Bobby McFerrin and Al Jarreau.

Shaw's creative output is staggering: over 2,500 choral arrangements and compositions currently in print, nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide, and dozens of ASCAP awards. He has overseen the production of hundreds of educational recordings and multiple college albums while maintaining an active conducting position at Southern Oregon University. His teaching is characterized by a distinctive blend of rigorous musicianship and humor that makes complex concepts accessible and engaging. Beyond his choral work, Shaw performs with Just 4 Kicks, a four-part a cappella ensemble, and co-authored an original musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol with his wife, Markita.

Why we love this

Shaw's knack for capturing the groove and energy of an era shines throughout this medley. The SAB voicing opens the material to singers at various levels without sacrificing the authentic soul and drive that defined 70's music. Twenty-two pages gives you enough substance for a meaningful concert moment without overwhelming rehearsal time.

What to expect

Warm, rhythmically grounded, and nostalgic. The medley format lets you move through the melodic and harmonic vocabulary of a transformative musical decade, all while maintaining the cohesive energy that makes pop and rock arrangements satisfying to perform.

Who it's for

Choirs with three-part mixed voicing who want to program something immediate and rewarding without sacrificing musical substance. This works equally well for high school show choirs, college recreational choirs, and community ensembles seeking repertoire that connects with audiences.

How to get the most out of it

  • Study the vocal layering in the background harmonies; these parts lock the pocket together and deserve rhythmic precision equal to the melody line.
  • Record a rough accompaniment track early so singers can lock the grooves during sectional rehearsals, especially for transitions between medley segments.
  • Shape each song's emotional arc distinctly so the medley feels like a curated journey rather than a succession of hits.
  • Balance your soloists carefully; the lead melody should sit confidently above the harmonic foundation without overpowering the ensemble texture.

How to use it

Frame this as a concert highlight that stands on its own or pair it with other pop standards to create a themed set. The medley structure makes it ideal for a spring concert when singers have built confidence and the season calls for something celebratory and accessible to general audiences.

Skills your students will build

  • Groove and rhythmic precision in pop and rock styles
  • Blend and balance in three-part SAB texture
  • Interpretation of style-specific phrasing and articulation
  • Transition management and song form awareness within a medley format
  • Solo confidence and featured voice projection

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