Another Star (arr. Kirby Shaw): SAB Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the infectious groove and sophisticated harmony of Wonder's original while making it accessible to three-part choirs. The Latin and jazz inflections give your singers genuine stylistic material to explore, not just a polished pop cover. Your ensemble will feel the difference between singing this and singing a watered-down pop tune.

The piece radiates positive energy and forward motion, with Latin rhythms creating momentum beneath warm, soulful melodic writing. There's a looseness and swing to the phrasing that feels conversational, inviting singers to connect emotionally rather than just execute notes. The harmonic richness and groove-centered approach create a sophisticated party atmosphere.

Choirs ready to tackle contemporary pop with harmonic and rhythmic sophistication will thrive with this arrangement. It suits groups that want to program something their audiences recognize while maintaining genuine musical substance. This works for high school choirs, college groups, and community ensembles seeking repertoire beyond standard show choir fare.

• Build the rhythmic pocket gradually during rehearsals. Start without percussion to lock the vocal lines, then layer in Latin percussion and drums to establish the groove that defines the piece.
• Balance the homophonic sections with clear voice leading in parts that move independently. Shaw's arrangement rewards attention to individual line integrity even within full chords.
• Emphasize the jazz phrasing and slight behind-the-beat feel that gives this its swagger. Straight-eighth rhythmic singing will drain the life from it.
• Consider how dynamics shape the arrangement's arc. The contrasts between sections will feel more dramatic with thoughtful volume control than with loud singing throughout.

Place this where you need a contemporary piece that bridges popular music and artistic credibility. It pairs well in a program exploring American songwriting genius or in a set that celebrates artists who work across multiple genres. The accessibility of the melody makes it strong as a final piece to send audiences home with something they know and enjoy.

• Latin and jazz rhythmic interpretation
• Layering independent voice lines within full harmonic textures
• Phrasing in contemporary pop and soul contexts
• Balance between melody-driven and groove-centered arrangements
• Stylistic flexibility and ensemble blend across three-part voicing