Ain't No Mountain High Enough (arr. Deke Sharon): SSAA Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the irresistible momentum of this Motown classic while writing it squarely for the female ensemble voice. The part writing sits comfortably across three to four parts, giving singers room to really sing without getting tangled in complicated divisi or extreme ranges. Groups consistently find that this arrangement energizes a concert and connects instantly with audiences.

This arrangement radiates warmth and determination. The harmonic language feels grounded and soulful, built on steady rhythmic grooves that make you want to move. There's an understated confidence here; nothing flashy or overcomplicated, just the kind of writing that lets singers focus on what matters: expressing genuine emotion and locking together as an ensemble.

Any women's choir ready to tackle a soul music classic with style and substance. This works equally well for intermediate community choirs seeking repertoire with broad appeal and for high school groups wanting to explore popular music arrangements that respect their growing musicianship.

• Let the opening phrase breathe; resist the urge to rush the opening measures. The impact comes from a grounded, confident entrance.
• Isolate the rhythmic figures in the lower voices during sectionals. Once those lock in, the sopranos and altos will layer cleanly on top.
• Pay attention to vowel consistency on repeated notes. Small shifts in vowel color can muddy the tight, snappy character this arrangement demands.
• Consider the emotional arc across the piece. The arrangement builds momentum, so track where intensity peaks and where you need softer, more intimate moments.

Anchor a spring or spring concert with this one. Its accessibility and infectious groove make it an excellent palate cleanser between more formally structured classical works. You might also build a short thematic set around love songs or Motown classics, letting this arrangement show what happens when popular music gets arranged with real care for the ensemble voice.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated groove patterns
• Balancing soloistic phrasing with ensemble cohesion
• Layering multiple rhythmic lines without rushing or dragging
• Maintaining vowel consistency across repeated melodic figures
• Interpreting soul music idioms through ensemble singing