Anything Goes (from the musical Anything Goes): SSAB Choral Octavo

Philip Kern's arrangement captures the infectious energy and theatrical flair of Porter's original while making it fully accessible to SAB choirs. The writing showcases genuine choral moments alongside the iconic melody, and the opening solo gives a featured singer a moment to shine within a fully supported ensemble context. This is standard-repertoire material that audiences recognize and singers enjoy performing.

The piece opens with theatrical confidence and Broadway glamour, then opens into full ensemble singing that feels both celebratory and musically engaged. Kern's arrangement honors Porter's genius for melody while building moments of genuine harmonic color and voice independence. Singing this feels like stepping into a spotlight with full support behind you.

This arrangement suits choirs at the intermediate level and beyond who want to program recognizable Broadway repertoire with real musical substance. Singers benefit from the clear voicing and melody-driven scoring, while directors appreciate that it delivers entertainment value without compromising choral writing. It works equally well for high school show choirs, community theater pit singers, and church ensembles seeking secular concert material.

• Balance the solo voice against the accompaniment so the opening section sits in the listener's ear clearly; the piano should support rather than compete.
• Maintain the rhythmic drive throughout. This piece lives in its momentum, so keep energy consistent even during sustained harmonic passages.
• Shape phrase endings with purpose. Porter's melodies often land on unexpected chords, so let those moments land cleanly rather than rushing through them.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the rhythm section feel if your choir is learning the piece; the groove of the original is part of what makes this work sing.

Program this as a high-energy second half opener or as a featured crowd-pleaser in a pops or Broadway-themed concert. It pairs well alongside other standards from the same era and provides excellent contrast to classical or art song repertoire. The piece's accessibility makes it ideal for community-oriented performances where audience recognition enhances the experience.

• Broadway phrasing and rhythmic precision in a pop idiom
• Singing clearly and independently within three-part harmony
• Interpreting a solo voice within a choral context
• Understanding harmonic movement and voice leading in popular song
• Ensemble balance and blend in up-tempo material