Anyway: SAB Choral Octavo

Greg Gilpin's arrangement captures the song's infectious optimism without sacrificing emotional depth. The SAB voicing sits comfortably across typical mixed choirs, and the message of resilience resonates with audiences at any time of year. This is the kind of piece that builds genuine ensemble joy during rehearsal and lands powerfully in performance.

The piece radiates determination and warmth. Whether it's the gentle building of the melody or the harmonic support underneath, everything in Gilpin's arrangement points toward hope and forward motion. Singers feel the message as they perform it.

This octavo works for mixed choirs at intermediate to advanced levels who want accessible repertoire with genuine substance. It's ideal for groups performing year-end concerts or seeking secular uplifting material that connects with diverse audiences.

• Find the lift in each phrase without pushing the tempo; the arrangement supports rhythmic elasticity, so let the natural phrasing breathe.
• Shape the repeated text ("anyway") as a building mantra rather than a repeated chant. Each iteration should feel slightly stronger than the last.
• Balance the accompaniment so the choir's message stays front and center. The recorded backing track is full, so ensure your singers project through it.
• Pay attention to dynamics in the alto and baritone lines, which often carry counter-melodies. These voices anchor the harmonic interest.

Program this as a closing piece or the emotional centerpiece of a winter or spring concert. Its narrative of perseverance pairs well alongside other contemporary pop arrangements or as a standalone statement piece in a varied set.

• Balancing melody and harmony in contemporary pop voicing
• Phrasing lyrical text for emotional impact
• Singing with recorded accompaniment while maintaining ensemble blend
• Sustaining energy through repeated textual and melodic ideas