Pentatonix is a five-member a cappella group that rose to prominence after winning the third season of NBC's The Sing-Off in 2011. Their innovative vocal arrangements and seamless blend of pop, R&B, and theatrical styles have made them one of the most commercially successful a cappella ensembles in modern music. Their approach to arranging demonstrates how contemporary vocal groups can honor original melodies while creating lush, rhythmically intricate textures that highlight individual voices.
Why we love this
Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the warmth and accessibility of Pentatonix's signature sound while remaining achievable for school choirs. The SSA voicing opens this Elton John classic to groups that might shy away from four-part writing, and the straightforward harmonic approach never condescends to younger singers. Programming this gives your choir a contemporary reference point that resonates with students while delivering a genuinely moving performance moment.
What to expect
The piece radiates warmth and romantic yearning, with rich stacked harmonies that feel intimate despite ensemble size. Singers experience the satisfaction of creating a full, sophisticated sound while staying connected to a melody that audiences immediately recognize and love.
Who it's for
This arrangement works beautifully for middle school through high school SSA choirs seeking contemporary material with emotional substance. It suits groups that have achieved solid blend and intonation but may not yet be ready for complex divisi or dense chromatic writing.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the opening phrases with gentle dynamic swells rather than starting full volume; the intimacy of this song depends on restraint in the first verse.
Balance the alto line carefully during the main chorus so it anchors the harmony without overpowering the soprano melody.
Treat rhythmic precision in the accompaniment figures as essential; any looseness in the texture undermines the lush, polished sound this arrangement invites.
Experiment with slight breath staggering among singers within each part to sustain longer phrases and maintain vocal line continuity.
How to use it
Consider this for a spring concert featuring film and musical theater repertoire, or as an effective standalone piece for a pops or variety show context. Its accessibility and emotional directness make it suitable for smaller ensemble performances at assemblies or community events without losing the polish of a full choral arrangement.
Skills your students will build
Blending within a three-part voicing structure
Sustaining long phrases with proper breath management
Singing contemporary harmonic language with conviction
Maintaining rhythmic accuracy in accompanied textures
Balancing melody and supporting harmony in close voicings
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