Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead: SAB Choral Octavo

Eric Van Cleave captures the infectious energy of Streisand's '60s interpretation while keeping the arrangement approachable for young or developing singers. The syncopated rhythms feel contemporary without sacrificing the melodic charm that makes this tune instantly recognizable, and the optional instrumental parts give you the flexibility to add that tight groove whenever your group is ready.

Playful and propulsive. Van Cleave's arrangement bounces with the sass of a 1960s pop shuffle, keeping Arlen's original melody front and center while surrounding it with rhythmic momentum and clever harmonies. It's the kind of piece that feels light on its feet but still commands attention in performance.

Middle school through high school choirs will find this arrangement both fun to sing and achievable, though elementary groups with strong singers can tackle it too. Directors looking to program something audiences recognize, with built-in comedic timing and theatrical energy, will find this a reliable crowd-pleaser.

• Lock the rhythmic unison sections first. The syncopation is the heartbeat of this arrangement, so drilling those sassy rhythmic figures early pays off when you add harmony.
• Balance the alto and soprano lines in the harmonized sections. The original melody stays mostly in the soprano, but Van Cleave gives the lower voices engaging counterlines that shouldn't disappear.
• Layer in the recorded accompaniment during rehearsal to help singers feel the swing. Once they internalize that shuffle feel, the groove becomes contagious and performances tighten immediately.
• Keep the diction crisp and almost conversational. This isn't operatic; it's cheeky storytelling, so clear consonants on words like 'Ding-Dong' and 'Witch' make the joke land harder.

This works beautifully as a spring concert opener or closer, especially in a program that mixes classic standards with contemporary pop arrangements. It also pairs well with other movie-themed selections, or pair it with a more serious piece to show your choir's range and versatility.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
• Sustaining a groove feel while singing in three-part harmony
• Clear diction and comedic timing in performance
• Balancing melody and countermelody in an arrangement
• Responsive singing with recorded accompaniment