Back Pocket (arr. Roger Emerson): SSA Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the essence of Vulfpeck's groove-centered songwriting while making it genuinely singable for SSA voices. The chart respects the original's funk DNA without requiring your singers to navigate overly complex rhythmic writing, and the harmonic language feels contemporary without alienating singers who thrive on traditional choral repertoire.

Lean, funky, and spacious. The arrangement gives you room to breathe while maintaining the infectious pocket that makes the song stick; it feels modern without chasing trends. Singing this requires attention to rhythmic clarity and ensemble cohesion rather than soaring over the top.

Directors seeking repertoire that engages singers in contemporary popular music without sacrificing musicianship. This works particularly well for intermediate to advanced SSA ensembles that want to program something current and groove-based alongside or instead of traditional jazz or pop standards.

• Establish the pocket early in rehearsal by tapping out the underlying beat before singing any pitches; this ensemble thrives on locked-in rhythmic precision rather than rubato.
• Layer in the arrangement gradually, starting with the melody line and adding voices once singers understand how their part relates to the groove rather than just singing block chords.
• Pay attention to the natural phrasing implied by the lyric and melody shape; these often diverge from where you'd expect a breath mark in traditional choral music.
• If performing with accompaniment, rehearse with the recorded backing track early and often so singers internalize how their parts sit within the full texture.

Consider pairing this with other contemporary pop or funk arrangements to showcase your ensemble's versatility and appeal to audiences hungry for current music. It also works as a concert opener or closer that establishes energy and establishes your singers' comfort with non-traditional repertoire.

• Locking rhythmic precision in a funk/pop idiom
• Singing syncopated rhythms with confidence and accuracy
• Understanding how individual voices support a groove rather than drive harmonic progression
• Phrasing shaped by lyrical content and melody rather than traditional choral conventions
• Blend and balance within contemporary popular music textures