Butter (arr. Audrey Snyder): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Audrey Snyder captures the infectious energy and rhythmic propulsion of 'Butter' while making it genuinely singable for mixed choirs. The arrangement respects the original's groove without overcomplicating the voicing, giving students access to contemporary music they already know and love.

Smooth, propulsive, and modern. The arrangement captures the polish of the original while maintaining accessibility, creating a performance that feels both current and musically substantive.

Choirs seeking to program contemporary music that engages students with songs they recognize and genuinely enjoy singing. This works well for groups comfortable with syncopation and contemporary vocal production.

• Lock the rhythmic foundation by having the group sing through the foundational rhythmic pattern together before adding melodic lines. Hip-hop grooves demand precision and unity across all three parts.
• Isolate the syncopated passages and work them slowly with a metronome at half tempo, then gradually increase speed. The arrangement likely contains rhythmic figures that need drilling.
• Experiment with dynamic shaping across the three parts to create depth. Pop and hip-hop arrangements benefit from intentional layering of texture rather than uniform singing.

Program this on a concert celebrating contemporary repertoire or as a set opener that immediately connects with your audience's musical world. The 15-page score suggests it's substantial enough to anchor a programming segment while remaining engaging for a general audience.

• Rhythmic accuracy in syncopated contemporary styles
• Reading and performing layered three-part arrangements
• Balancing independence with ensemble cohesion
• Applying contemporary vocal production techniques
• Developing comfort with hip-hop and pop idioms