Afterglow (arr. Stefan Flugel): SSAA Choral Octavo

Stefan Flugel's arrangement respects the song's understated beauty while giving SSAA voicing real musical independence. The piece doesn't rely on students recognizing the original; it stands on its own as a solidly crafted choral work with enough contemporary flavor to keep rehearsals energized.

Warm and introspective, with the kind of restrained emotion that contemporary pop can offer when stripped down to voices alone. The arrangement creates space for vulnerability while maintaining enough harmonic color to keep the texture interesting throughout.

Choirs comfortable with contemporary repertoire and looking to program material that appeals to singers and audiences alike. Works especially well for groups seeking a cappella pieces that don't demand extensive classical technique.

• Balance the soprano lines carefully in sections where the melody splits. The top voice should breathe naturally without overshadowing the harmonic support underneath.
• Shape phrases by thinking in longer arcs rather than measure-by-measure. This prevents the a cappella texture from sounding choppy or rhythmically rigid.
• Lock the inner voices (altos) into their rhythmic patterns early. When those parts sit securely, sopranos gain freedom to phrase expressively.

A strong choice for pops concerts or mixed programs where you want a moment of genuine quietness. It also works well as a transition piece between higher-energy selections, giving audiences and singers time to reconnect.

• Sustaining tone quality in a cappella textures
• Balancing independent melodic lines within SSA/SSAA voicing
• Phrasing contemporary music with natural speech rhythms
• Blending close harmonies without loss of individual line clarity