Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang): 2-Part Choral Octavo

The Shermans understood how to write a hook that sticks, and this arrangement captures exactly why the title song became an instant classic. Jeff Funk's 2-part setting doesn't strip away the charm or novelty of the original; instead, it preserves the fun while keeping the part-writing singable and manageable for mixed-age choirs. The recorded accompaniment tracks are genuinely engaging, not a afterthought, which means your students will enjoy rehearsal as much as the audience will enjoy the concert.

Buoyant, cheeky, and irresistibly bouncy. The melody has that distinctive mid-century pop charm, full of unexpected intervallic leaps and rhythmic quirks that make it sound more sophisticated than it is. From the first note, you hear the cartoon magic of the original film translated into a choral setting that celebrates rather than diminishes the tune's essential warmth and humor.

Any choir looking for repertoire that reminds audiences why choral music can be joyful and unabashedly fun. This works equally well for middle school and high school ensembles, adult community choirs, and even church choirs seeking something uplifting and entertainment-focused without sacrificing musicianship.

• Isolate the articulation patterns in measures where the lyrics demand precision. The novelty of the song rides on crisp, clean diction, so drilling these sections separately (even just the consonants) pays immediate dividends.
• Lean into the comedic timing. This isn't a ballad requiring legit, the humor lives in the rhythmic punch and the silly sound effects, so encourage your singers to embrace the playfulness without losing musicality.
• Let the recorded accompaniment carry the energy. The arrangement is designed to sit on top of an arrangement that's already doing the heavy lifting, so trust the accompaniment and focus your singers on locking their parts with confidence rather than trying to carry the sound themselves.

Program this alongside other accessible, upbeat repertoire for a concert that leans into entertainment value and audience connection. It pairs beautifully with other Sherman Brothers work or other mid-century movie songs, and it's an excellent choice for a spring pops concert, family matinee, or any program where you want to send the audience home smiling. The 8-page length and straightforward 2-part voicing make it realistic for a single-rehearsal learning curve, so it works as a late-season addition when your schedule is already full.

• Articulation clarity and rhythmic precision with text
• Part independence in 2-part texture
• Maintaining energy and musicality in uptempo, light repertoire
• Responding to accompaniment and locking with recorded tracks