Afterglow (arr. Stefan Flugel): TTBB Choral Octavo

Stefan Flugel's arrangement captures the intimate warmth of the original while giving men's voices genuine musical weight rather than relegating them to harmonic support. The six-page octavo sits at an accessible level without sacrificing sophistication, making it viable for upper high school and college ensembles while remaining engaging enough for singers who want to perform contemporary music that feels current.

Afterglow unfolds with reflective tenderness, building from quiet introspection into moments of warmth and connection. The harmonic language remains accessible yet sophisticated enough to feel substantial, creating space for expressive singing without demanding technical heroics.

Men's choirs seeking repertoire that connects with contemporary audiences without compromising musical integrity will find this arrangement genuinely useful. TTBB programs ranging from high school show choirs to college and community groups can program this confidently.

• Balance the melody line across your four voice parts so no single section dominates; this arrangement distributes the tune thoughtfully, but tenors will need reminder not to oversing their passages.
• Layer your vowel unification work gradually through rehearsal, starting with the sustained harmonic sections where blend becomes most audible.
• Shape the arc across all six pages as a single arc rather than treating phrases in isolation; the piece gains momentum when singers understand where the emotional center lives.

This works particularly well in spring concerts where lighter, more contemporary repertoire can balance heavier classical selections. Consider pairing it with other Sheeran arrangements or positioning it strategically within a program that moves between styles, allowing your ensemble to demonstrate musical range.

• Blend and balance across four voice parts in close harmony
• Sustaining legit singing through contemporary pop material
• Phrase shaping in music without extensive dynamic markings
• Part independence when melodic material shifts between sections
• A cappella intonation in minor tonality