Counting Stars (arr. Frank de Vreeze): SSAATB Choral Octavo

Frank de Vreeze's arrangement captures the emotional core of this song for mixed voices without sacrificing the energy that makes it singable and engaging for young choristers. The octavo format with SSAA voicing gives your singers melodic independence while keeping the part writing singable, and the contemporary language connects repertoire to music your students already care about.

Introspective and hopeful, with the contemplative quality of the original intact. The arrangement carries the intimacy of OneRepublic's songwriting while giving choral voices room to bloom across a full vocal range.

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire with immediate appeal to singers and audiences. This works well for mixed ensembles that want to expand beyond traditional art song while maintaining solid musicianship standards.

• Balance the upper voices on the main melody so the song's signature hook lands clearly; the arrangement likely layers this across soprano parts, and blend matters more than volume.
• Anchor the harmonic foundation by having the men's voices commit to their parts with confidence; undercounting or hesitation in the lower voices will flatten the modern sound.
• Work the rhythmic precision in the verse sections first, especially if the arrangement uses syncopation that mirrors the original recording's groove.
• Shape the dynamic arc by identifying where the original track builds; follow that trajectory rather than treating the arrangement as static throughout.

Position this in a concert where you're bridging classical and contemporary works, or use it as a standalone set piece that showcases your ensemble's versatility. The 183-page count suggests substantial musical development, making it substantial enough to anchor a pop or modern music showcase.

• Part independence within a modern harmonic context
• Intonation in layered, sustained vocal lines
• Rhythmic accuracy in contemporary pop/rock grooves
• Dynamic shaping and emotional phrasing in contemporary style
• Ensemble blend across six distinct voice parts