Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead: Choral SoundPax

Eric Van Cleave nails the energy of Streisand's '60s reimagining without losing the song's fundamental charm. The arrangement sits comfortably for mixed ensembles at any age while the syncopated rhythms keep things from feeling quaint, and the optional instrumental parts (via SoundPax) give you real flexibility in how you build the accompaniment in rehearsal and performance.

Cheeky and irrepressible. The perky arrangement captures the mischief of the moment without camp, grounded in that classic Arlen melody but dressed up in a sharp, syncopated groove that swings. It feels contemporary and familiar all at once.

Choirs of mixed ages and experience levels who want a crowd-pleasing showstopper with genuine musical substance. The accessible range and rhythmic (rather than technically demanding) approach makes this especially strong for middle school and high school programs, though community choirs and adult ensembles will enjoy the playfulness and solid harmonic writing.

• Establish the shuffle feel early in sectional rehearsals. Have students tap the backbeat while singing to lock the groove before worrying about blend or dynamics.
• Let the syncopation breathe. Resist the urge to straighten rhythms when sections are learning their parts; the offbeat energy is what makes this arrangement pop.
• Use the SoundPax accompaniment strategically during the learning phase, then gradually pull it back so the choir owns the groove independently.
• Balance the clever backstory lyrics clearly so the audience catches the wit. This arrangement rewards crisp diction and rhythmic precision.

Program this as a concert opener or a spot-on closer for a pop or movie classics concert. It also works beautifully as a lighter moment in a variety show or as part of a themed program around classic film scores. The upbeat character and manageable length make it ideal for building audience energy without eating up substantial rehearsal time.

• Reading and performing syncopated rhythms in a pop idiom
• Maintaining a steady groove feel across ensemble phrases
• Balancing clarity and connection in uptempo diction
• Interpreting arrangement style cues to shape phrasing and articulation