A Whale Of A Tale (from 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea) (arr. John Leavitt): TTBB Choral Octavo

John Leavitt's arrangement captures the rollicking charm of the original film number while giving men's voices genuine character work rather than relegating them to harmonic support. The flexible voicing options (TB, TTB, TBB, TTBB) mean you can program this whether you're working with a small ensemble or a full chorus, and the nine pages give singers real substance to sink their teeth into. The nautical swagger and theatrical energy make it a natural crowd pleaser at spring concerts or sea-themed programs.

The arrangement captures the film's sense of adventure and humor; the music bounces with sea-going swagger while maintaining the warmth of a good yarn told between friends. Singers experience the satisfaction of clean ensemble writing paired with lyrical moments that let individual voices shine.

Men's choirs and mixed ensembles looking for repertoire that entertains audiences without sacrificing musicality. This works equally well for experienced singers seeking a character piece and for developing choirs building confidence through accessible but well-crafted writing.

• Lean into the rhythmic bounce of the melody; this arrangement thrives on crisp articulation and clear phrasing that suggests the playfulness of the original.
• Balance the narrative quality of the lyric with musical precision. Actors sing this song, so encourage your singers to tell the story rather than simply execute notes.
• Shape the supporting harmonies to complement rather than compete with the lead line. Leavitt's voicing allows clean, transparent texture when the ensemble stays engaged but light.

This pairs naturally with other nautical or Disney fare in a thematic concert, or stands alone as an intermission number that resets the room's energy. Spring pops concerts, end-of-year celebrations, or family performances all welcome the theatrical spirit and accessibility of this number.

• Maintaining rhythmic precision in syncopated, dance-like figures
• Balancing transparency and blend across multiple voice parts
• Interpreting theatrical character through musical phrasing and articulation
• Navigating flexible voicing arrangements to match ensemble instrumentation