Black Or White (arr. Kirby Shaw): SSA Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's SSA voicing captures the song's message of unity without losing any of its infectious groove. The arrangement sits comfortably for young voices while preserving the iconic melody and rhythm that made the original unforgettable, making it genuinely fun to rehearse and perform.

Uplifting and propulsive. The arrangement maintains the original's driving rhythm and memorable melody while creating a sense of celebration and togetherness. There's an infectious simplicity here that makes singers and listeners alike feel the optimism at the song's heart.

This arrangement works for middle school through high school choirs looking for contemporary repertoire that students actually care about singing. It's equally valuable for concert settings where you want to program something that engages audiences and showcases your ensemble's ability to handle modern pop music.

• Keep the rhythm section locked tight on the syncopated figures in the accompaniment; this song lives in its pocket, and any lag will flatten the energy
• Balance the vocal lines so the main melody stays prominent even when all three parts are singing; blend harmonies without letting them overwhelm the hook
• Nail the articulation and phrasing marks in the chart; Shaw uses these to capture the original's crisp, percussive feel
• Encourage singers to connect with the lyrical message rather than just hitting notes; the conviction in their voices sells the song's optimism

Schedule this for spring concerts where you want to end on a note of positivity and connection, or use it to balance a program that might otherwise feel heavy on classical or traditional repertoire. It's the kind of piece that energizes both performers and audience, making it valuable as a closing number or as a bridge between different musical worlds.

• Singing syncopated rhythms in pop and R&B styles
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in an SSA texture while tracking a steady groove
• Balancing three independent vocal lines to highlight a central melody
• Interpreting contemporary articulation and phrasing in arranged music
• Finding expressive meaning in popular music with social themes