As (arr. Deke Sharon): TTTBBB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement unlocks the melodic and harmonic richness of 'As' for a cappella voices, creating space for the song's emotional weight to land. The TTTBBB voicing distributes the vocal lines in a way that keeps the arrangement singable while honoring Wonder's sophisticated harmonic language. This is the kind of contemporary repertoire that energizes choirs and audiences alike.

Wonder's 'As' is a love song that feels both intimate and expansive. This arrangement preserves that quality, moving through warm harmonic textures that swell with emotional resonance. A cappella singing makes every voice essential; here, the texture feels like a conversation among friends rather than a formal presentation.

This arrangement suits choirs with solid blend and mature harmonic ears. The TTTBBB voicing requires confident tenors who can navigate upper register passages and basses who anchor the harmony. Ensembles seeking contemporary material with real musical substance will find this both accessible and artistically rewarding.

• Balance the three tenor lines carefully so that the melodic voice emerges clearly while the inner parts provide harmonic support without muddying.
• Pay attention to the harmonic rhythm and allow slight space between chord changes to let the sonorities speak.
• Emphasize the lyrical quality of the melody; this arrangement thrives on emotional directness rather than rhythmic urgency.
• Shape phrases with the text, letting the meaning of Wonder's lyrics guide your phrasing and dynamics across the six pages.

Consider this for a concert section devoted to soul and contemporary songwriting, where it can stand alongside other arrangements of popular artists. The six-page length and moderate difficulty make it a solid closer for a shorter set or a centerpiece within a longer program. It works particularly well when programmed between heavier classical pieces, offering audiences both familiarity and genuine artistry.

• Blending within a six-part a cappella texture
• Navigating upper register passages as a tenor section
• Singing sustained harmony without instrumental support
• Shaping phrases expressively within a contemporary song structure
• Balancing independence with ensemble cohesion across multiple vocal lines