Cats (Medley) (arr. Ed Lojeski): SATB Choral Octavo

Lojeski's medley captures the theatrical personality of Cats while staying true to what makes each moment memorable. The arrangement respects the vocal ranges and practical needs of high school and college choirs without losing the cinematic sweep of the original orchestrations. Your singers get to inhabit beloved characters and melodies while building the ensemble discipline that makes Broadway work.

Stepping into the world of Cats means inhabiting mystery, mischief, and moments of genuine tenderness. Lojeski's arrangement keeps the theatrical storytelling intact while letting your choir's voices carry the emotional weight, creating an experience that feels both intimate and grand.

Strong SATB choirs that thrive on contemporary material and want their singers engaged by recognizable, singable melodies. Directors programming concerts for general audiences, fundraisers, or spring shows will find this medley connects immediately with listeners of all ages.

• Balance the solo moments carefully. Even when a section carries the melody, the accompaniment voices need clarity to track harmonic movement across 23 pages.
• Approach the emotional temperature shifts as scene changes rather than awkward transitions. Each song segment has distinct character; find the theatrical intent beneath the notes.
• Mark breath points in rehearsal that align with lyrical phrases, not just resting spots. Webber's melodies often demand singers to stay connected across longer musical ideas.
• Record sectionals focusing on any passages where the arrangement divides the soprano or alto lines. Know exactly who's singing what before ensemble rehearsal.

Place this medley as a concert centerpiece where it can anchor a first half or stand alone as a show closer. It works equally well in variety-format programs or as the foundation for a themed Broadway evening. Consider pairing it with shorter a cappella selections to showcase different facets of your ensemble's versatility.

• Navigating 23 pages of continuous material with multiple key centers and tempo relationships
• Balancing solo-forward writing with sectional independence
• Sustaining emotional commitment across a medley structure
• Tracking harmonic color changes typical of Webber's orchestral idiom
• Interpreting theatrical text and character in choral context