Don't Start Now: SSA Choral Octavo

Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures the groove and polish of the original without losing sight of what makes this song tick in a choral setting. The option to feature an alto soloist gives you flexibility to spotlight a confident singer while keeping the ensemble driving that funky bassline underneath. It's a piece that feels contemporary and fun to sing, not like a pop song forced into a choral mold.

Percolating, funky, and celebratory. You can feel the disco DNA running through the synth chords and that persistent cowbell, but it's filtered through modern pop sensibility. There's a buoyancy here, a sense of liberation and forward motion that makes singers want to move.

Choirs looking to program something current and energetic that appeals to singers and audiences alike. This works for groups with solid ensemble blend and at least one confident alto soloist, though it's accessible enough that a developing SSA choir can deliver it with joy.

• Keep the rhythm section (whether backed by the recorded accompaniment or acoustic realization) locked and steady; the syncopated funk underneath the voices is what sells the groove.
• Build the energy toward the chorus where the cowbell and strings hit. This isn't a ballad; dynamic contrasts between verses and the main hook keep the audience engaged.
• If you're featuring a solo alto, make sure she owns the moment with confidence and presence. The lyrics celebrate independence, so the vocal choice matters.
• Balance the SSA voicing so the top line doesn't overshadow the harmonic support underneath. The synth chords in the original are strong, and your inner voices should reflect that richness.

Perfect for a spring concert, a pop or contemporary showcase, or any program that needs a shot of energy and joy. It pairs well alongside other modern pop arrangements but also holds its own as a standalone moment of fun. The theme of independence makes it especially fitting for end-of-year celebrations or events celebrating student achievement.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop grooves
• Blend and balance in SSA/SSAA voicing with active inner parts
• Stylistic singing in contemporary pop idiom
• Confidence and presence as a featured soloist (for the alto spotlight)
• Phrasing that honors both the pop vernacular and choral musicality