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Absolutely: SATB, <i>a cappella</i> Choral Octavo

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Absolutely Cover Image

Absolutely: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo

(Story of a Girl)

Words and music by John Hampson / arr. Alex Phan

Item: 00-45512

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Description
A bubbly and pulsating mix of vocables, lyrics, and vocal percussion support a vigorous male lead in this arrangement of the number one radio smash. Playful and memorable, a running quarter note feel in the trebles during the prechorus contrasts the return to the infectious pop refrain, where a second vocalist duets with the lead. Cute and catchy!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Absolutely: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
UPC: 038081512518
SKU: 00-45512

More about this title

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the infectious energy of a pop smash without requiring instrumental accompaniment, making it ideal for a cappella ensembles that want contemporary repertoire with real radio appeal. The interplay between the vigorous male lead and the duet section, combined with the rhythmic contrast between prechorus and refrain, gives singers genuine musical moments to sink their teeth into rather than just supporting a catchy hook.

What to expect

Upbeat and propulsive, with the kind of radio-friendly hook that sticks immediately. The arrangement bounces between playful vocal layers and moments of genuine musicality, creating the sensation of a live band firing on all cylinders even with voices alone.

Who it's for

Choirs comfortable with pop idioms and equipped with strong soloists who can carry a vigorous lead line. This works equally well for high school choirs, college ensembles, and show choirs looking to add contemporary hits to the repertoire without instrumental support.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the quarter note pulse in the trebles during the prechorus; this rhythmic momentum should feel inevitable when it yields to the refrain.
  • Shape the vocal percussion support so it locks with, rather than fights against, the lead vocalist's phrasing; clarity matters more than volume.
  • Differentiate the two vocalist roles clearly in rehearsal and performance. The duet section needs genuine conversational energy to land the playful character.
  • Treat the vocables as rhythmic glue rather than filler; they're what give the arrangement its bubbly texture.

How to use it

Slot this into a pop or contemporary section of a concert, or pair it with other upbeat secular pieces for a high-energy opening or closer. Its accessibility and infectious character make it a crowd pleaser for school showcases, community performances, or any program that welcomes modern popular music.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic independence across four parts while maintaining ensemble cohesion
  • Vocal percussion techniques and integration with pitched voices
  • Singing in pop idiom with emphasis on groove and phrasing authenticity
  • Balancing solo and ensemble roles within a single piece
  • A cappella blend and intonation without instrumental reference

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