Before The Parade Passes By: SSA Choral Octavo

Hayes brings his signature theatrical sensibility to this beloved Jerry Herman standard, capturing the optimism and forward momentum that makes the original so infectious. The SSA voicing opens this anthem to a wider range of ensembles while maintaining the rhythmic vitality and melodic clarity that define the song. An arranger comfortable with both concert halls and Broadway stages knows exactly how to balance accessibility with musical substance.

Buoyant and celebratory, with the unmistakable vitality of midcentury Broadway optimism. The arrangement captures the sense of anticipation and forward motion embedded in the original song, inviting singers and audiences to share in something joyful and unabashedly theatrical.

High school and college choral programs seeking crowd-pleasing material that energizes both singers and audiences. Community choirs and smaller ensembles will appreciate an arrangement that commands attention without demanding virtuosic technique. Directors programming concert closers or special events benefit from a piece that connects with listeners already familiar with the melody.

• Keep the tempo propulsive and energetic throughout; the piece's charm depends on rhythmic momentum rather than lingering on individual phrases.
• Balance the soprano melody against the supporting voices so the tune remains the focal point without the accompaniment feeling relegated to background duty.
• Address the SSA voicing as an opportunity for blend rather than a limitation; identical voicing allows for natural resonance across the section.
• Shape the dynamic arc with intention, building gradually to avoid the arrangement sounding static or repetitive in extended sections.

Program this as a finale to brighten concert conclusions and send audiences out in a lifted mood. Its accessibility makes it particularly effective as a season opener or during community engagement events where broader appeal matters. The piece also works beautifully on pops concerts where Broadway repertoire shares space with other secular styles.

• Theatrical style and character expression in a contemporary popular song context
• Ensemble blend and balance across identical SSA voicing
• Sustained rhythmic energy and forward motion across phrase structures
• Intonation within tertian harmonic progressions typical of Broadway writing