Cuphead: SAB Choral Octavo
A Quick Break / Die House / Don't Deal with the Devil / Inkwell Isle Two
Words and music by Kristofer Maddigan / arr. Alan Billingsley
Item: 00-PO-0008144
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 10 copies
Please note: Under U.S. copyright law, you must purchase the exact number of copies needed for your ensemble. Printing, duplicating or sharing additional copies is strictly prohibited.
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Description
Calling all gamers! The popular video game Cuphead is famous not only for its quirky cartoon animation, but also for its retro-style soundtrack. This clever mini-medley takes a 3-minute tour through numerous musical styles, from barbershop to swingin' jazz to a mischievous march, all while relating the tale of game characters Cuphead and Mugman. Optional accompaniment for the barbershop sections is included on the CD and in the octavo.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0008144
More about this title
About the Composer: Kristofer Maddigan
Kristofer Maddigan composed the soundtrack for Cuphead, the indie video game that became a cultural phenomenon for its hand-drawn 1930s animation style and meticulously crafted jazz, big band, and novelty music score. His work on the game earned widespread recognition for its authenticity and creativity, blending period appropriate musical idioms with original compositions that capture the game's irreverent personality.
Maddigan's approach to game scoring emphasizes melodic clarity and stylistic consistency, making his music both engaging for players and surprisingly effective as choral source material. His ability to layer multiple musical traditions within single pieces has made him a valued collaborator in projects that demand both technical skill and imaginative arrangement.
Why we love this
Alan Billingsley's arrangement transforms Cuphead's soundtrack into something that works brilliantly in a choral setting without losing the game's cartoonish swagger. The medley structure lets you program a single piece that tours barbershop, swing, and march styles, keeping singers engaged through rapid stylistic shifts and genuinely fun material that resonates with students who know the game.
What to expect
Charming and zippy. The music bounces between nostalgic 1930s idioms with winking affection, never taking itself seriously while demanding precision in execution. There's a joyful energy in the rapid outfit changes, giving singers the feeling they're performing a clever sketch comedy piece rather than sitting through a formal choral number.
Who it's for
This medley works for upper elementary through high school choirs seeking accessible, contemporary material that connects with students' actual musical lives. It's ideal for groups with decent musicianship who can handle style-specific articulation and tuning challenges without extensive remedial work.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the barbershop sections by using the recorded accompaniment on the CD or from the octavo; this grounds the tuning and frees you to shape the vocal lines with confidence.
- Lean into the comedic timing during the march section. Precision in rhythm and articulation will get the biggest reaction from an audience.
- Treat the swing idiom with authentic swing feel in the eighth notes, letting the groove breathe rather than playing it straight and metronomic.
- Mark phrase breathing together in rehearsal so all three parts stay synchronized through the quick style changes.
How to use it
Slot this into a pop or contemporary concert as a palate cleanser between heavier repertoire, or use it as the opener to signal an informal, engaging program. It also works as a pep rally or assembly piece where you want to showcase your choir's versatility and sense of humor.
Skills your students will build
- Shifting between distinct musical styles and idioms within a single piece
- Barbershop tuning and voicing characteristics
- Swing eighth-note feel and articulation
- Comic timing and dramatic contrast
- Sectional independence in three-part voicing