Conga Rhythm: Choral SoundPax
Arr. Kirby Shaw
Item: 00-PK-0005537
$30.00
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Description
Turn up the heat with this dynamic pairing of Gloria Estefan's biggest hits, "Conga" and "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You." A sizzling audience pleaser with tremendous choreography potential!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Conga Rhythm: Choral SoundPax comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
28
SKU:
00-PK-0005537
Instrumentation:
SoundPax
More about this title
About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw
Kirby Shaw has spent decades shaping choral music education across North America and Europe, earning recognition in 45 states plus Canada, Australia, and multiple international venues. He holds degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University and a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. His teaching combines technical rigor with infectious humor and deep musical knowledge.
As a composer and arranger, Shaw has created over 2,500 works for choral ensembles, with nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide. He founded and directed acclaimed vocal jazz ensembles at College of the Siskiyous, Colorado State University, and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. His collaborative experiences include one-on-one mentorship with jazz legends like Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks. Beyond his prolific choral output and multiple ASCAP awards, Shaw co-created the musical Scroogical with his wife Markita and performs with the a cappella group Just 4 Kicks.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw knows how to make a pop medley sing without sacrificing musical integrity. This pairing of two Gloria Estefan classics builds from infectious groove to explosive energy, giving your singers both accessible fun and genuine musical substance. The choreography potential means your choir becomes a full entertainment experience rather than a passive performance.
What to expect
Heat, motion, and joy. These arrangements pulse with latin rhythms and infectious grooves that make your singers want to move. The combination of "Conga" and "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" creates a buildup that's nearly impossible to sit through without engaging.
Who it's for
Choirs ready to program contemporary pop with real musical substance. This works equally well for high school show choirs, community ensembles, and college groups seeking repertoire that entertains without compromising musicianship.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the rhythmic foundation early. These tracks demand precision in the ensemble's rhythmic pulse; work the percussion parts and bass line as a unit before layering in the vocal harmonies.
- Balance the latin percussion colors with clarity in the choral lines. The arrangement's textures deserve space; avoid covering the instrumental colors with oversinging.
- Nail the energy shift between the two songs. "Conga" establishes the groove; "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" intensifies it. Your singers should feel and communicate that dramatic lift in the second half.
- Choreography doesn't have to be elaborate to be effective. Even simple, synchronized movement synchronized to the groove elevates audience connection and keeps your singers physically engaged with the rhythm.
How to use it
Perfect as a closing number or featured set piece that energizes a concert and sends the audience out smiling. It pairs well on programs with more serious choral literature, providing the uplifting contrast that makes both styles shine. Consider programming it in the spring or for pops concerts where your choir can fully embrace the performance and staging potential.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in syncopated and polyrhythmic textures
- Stylistic interpretation of contemporary pop and latin-influenced music
- Ensemble balance when blending vocal parts with prominent instrumental colors
- Physical engagement and choreographic coordination with vocal production
- Energy management and dynamic contrast between contrasting song sections