As (arr. Keely Hodgson) Sheet Music Preview

As (arr. Keely Hodgson): SATB Choral Octavo

As performed by Stevie Wonder / Arranged by Keely Hodgson

Item: 35-DS01976287

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 8
SKU: 35-DS01976287

More about this title

About the Artist: Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder stands as one of the most influential singer-songwriters and musicians of the past fifty years. Blind from infancy, he mastered harmonica, piano, and drums before his teens, eventually becoming a Motown Records prodigy who shaped the sound of soul, funk, and pop across multiple decades. His compositions blend sophisticated harmonic sensibilities with infectious grooves, and his work continues to inspire musicians across genres and skill levels.

In the classroom and rehearsal room, Wonder's music offers something rare: songs that are instantly recognizable to students while demanding genuine musicianship to execute well. His arrangements reward attention to detail in rhythm, dynamics, and blend, making his catalog invaluable for teaching contemporary ensemble skills alongside timeless songwriting principles.

Why we love this

Keely Hodgson's arrangement captures the groove and soul of Wonder's original while making it genuinely singable for mixed choirs. The funk and pop elements are preserved through smart rhythmic writing and voice leading that keeps energy high without sacrificing blend or tunefulness.

What to expect

Smooth, soulful, and irresistibly groovy. The arrangement balances Stevie Wonder's sophisticated harmonic language with a driving funk sensibility that keeps the piece moving forward with purpose and warmth.

Who it's for

This arrangement works for high school and college choirs looking to expand beyond traditional classical repertoire into contemporary pop and soul. Directors seeking to build student engagement through music students already know and love will find this an accessible entry point into serious ensemble work.

How to get the most out of it

  • Nail the rhythmic precision in the opening statement. These aren't rubato lines; tight ensemble rhythm is what makes the funk land.
  • Balance the bass line carefully across your lower voices. It drives the whole piece, so make sure it cuts through without dominating the texture.
  • Shape the dynamics across sections rather than singing at one level. Soul music lives in the contrast between intimate and expansive moments.
  • Invest in the recorded accompaniment during rehearsals. It locks everyone into the original's pocket and shows singers how their parts fit the bigger picture.

How to use it

Program this as a showstopper on a pop or contemporary music concert, or use it to bridge classical and contemporary styles on a mixed repertoire program. It also serves as an excellent teaching piece mid-season when students have enough ensemble maturity to handle the rhythmic and harmonic demands without oversimplifying the arrangement.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining groove and pocket within a funk idiom
  • Balancing rhythmic precision with expressive phrasing
  • Singing contemporary pop and soul with authenticity
  • Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic patterns
  • Blending voices across a non-traditional harmonic palette

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