ABC (arr. Roger Emerson): SAB Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson has crafted an arrangement that preserves the original's irresistible groove while making it accessible for developing three-part choirs. The SAB voicing avoids the common trap of oversimplifying pop; instead, it distributes the harmonic and rhythmic interest in ways that keep all three sections engaged and listening to each other.

Bright, propulsive energy wrapped in simple lyrics that let the rhythm do the heavy lifting. The arrangement bounces along with the kind of infectious optimism that makes students want to nail their parts and feel the cohesion when all three voices align.

This arrangement serves choirs with limited three-part experience who are ready to tackle material beyond traditional concert repertoire. It works equally well for middle school choirs building confidence and high school groups looking to expand their pop programming.

• Lock the rhythm section into the pocket before worrying about blend. This tune lives or dies on the groove, so rehearse the sopranos' rhythmic figures and the alto/bass parts as a unified rhythmic unit first.
• Bring out the call-and-response elements between sections. The Jackson 5's DNA includes call-and-response storytelling, so shape phrases to highlight when one part answers another.
• Keep the articulation crisp and light rather than heavy. Young singers often overweight pop music; dial back the weight and let the syncopation speak for itself.

Slot this into a pop or American songbook unit to break up a concert dominated by art song and spiritual arrangements. It pairs naturally with other 1970s grooves and gives audiences permission to have fun without sacrificing musical integrity.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated passages
• Call-and-response phrasing and independence
• Maintaining groove and pulse across three-part textures
• Diction clarity in rapid, rhythmic text
• Listening and ensemble balance in pop idioms