Cups (When I'm Gone) (Campfire Version) (from Pitch Perfect 2) (arr. Deke Sharon): SSA Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the intimate, stripped-down energy of the campfire version rather than the full production sound, making it genuinely singable for high school choirs. The SSA voicing keeps parts within comfortable ranges while the percussion-free context puts the focus squarely on blend, rhythm precision, and storytelling, creating a refreshing break from typical pop arrangements.

Campfire intimacy wrapped around a driving, minimalist rhythm. The arrangement strips away production gloss and asks your singers to create momentum through vowel unity and rhythmic precision, resulting in something simultaneously vulnerable and propulsive.

SSA choirs looking for accessible contemporary material that doesn't require accompaniment or elaborate staging. This works well for groups at the intermediate level who want to tackle a recognizable song while building ensemble skills and rhythmic independence.

• Nail the rhythmic accuracy of the cup percussion part using vocal percussion or actual cups, since the groove is the song's backbone and students will lock in once they feel it solidly beneath the melody.
• Shape the dynamics across the full arc rather than singing at one level; the narrative builds from intimate verses to collective energy in the chorus, and that journey keeps audiences invested.
• Treat the dissonances and passing tones in the harmony as intentional color, not mistakes; they give this arrangement its contemporary flavor and reward precise intonation work.

Perfect as a palate cleanser between classical or jazz selections on a concert, or as a reliable closer that audiences connect with immediately. It also works as a team-building moment during retreats or informal performances where the casual campfire setting translates naturally to actual performance spaces.

• Maintaining rhythmic independence while supporting harmonic texture
• Vocal percussion techniques and rhythmic accuracy without instrumental accompaniment
• Balancing melodic storytelling with ensemble blend
• Intonation in contemporary harmonic language (tertian and non-functional harmony)