Breakaway: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Teena Chinn's arrangement respects the melodic integrity and contemporary energy of the original while making it accessible for mixed voices. The choral voicing captures the emotional arc of the song without losing the pop sensibility that makes it instantly recognizable to your singers.

Empowering and reflective. The song carries an anthem quality paired with introspective moments, creating a piece that feels both uplifting and emotionally honest. The pop sensibility makes it feel modern and relatable while the arrangement reveals unexpected harmonic depth.

Choirs and mixed ensembles looking for contemporary repertoire that connects with student singers and audiences alike. This arrangement works well for groups seeking to program recognizable, well-crafted pop music without sacrificing musical substance.

• Balance the lead vocal line so it sits clearly over the harmonic support; this song depends on the strength of the melody coming through.
• Pay attention to the rhythmic precision in the accompaniment track; your singers will lock in better when they feel the pocket of the original arrangement.
• Shape phrases toward the emotional peaks rather than treating the song as a steady-state pop arrangement; there's genuine vulnerability in this piece that rewards dynamic shaping.
• Let the recorded accompaniment set the contemporary style, but don't let your singers disappear into it; they should drive the storytelling.

Program this as a contemporary feature in a concert mixing classical and pop repertoire, or use it as a showstopper in a spring or graduation concert. The familiarity of the melody makes it an excellent choice for recruiting student interest in choral singing and for connecting with family audiences at performances.

• Singing with contemporary pop stylistic awareness (phrasing, tone color, rhythmic freedom)
• Balancing solo line prominence with ensemble support
• Responding to recorded accompaniment with precision and flexibility
• Emotional storytelling through dynamics and phrasing in a modern context