Don't Wanna Lose You: Choral SoundPax

Greg Gilpin's SoundPax arrangement captures the emotional power of this Grammy-nominated ballad while keeping the vocal writing accessible and singable. The inclusion of optional Spanish lyrics opens authentic cultural programming possibilities and reflects the song's own bicultural identity. Programming this alongside other contemporary pop repertoire gives choirs a chance to explore meaningful, recently written music that connects to students' broader musical world.

A grown-up power ballad that earns its intensity through vulnerability rather than volume. The piece builds from intimate verse sections into soaring, full-voiced moments that feel triumphant without losing the personal stakes Estefan embedded in the original composition.

Choirs at the intermediate to advanced level who want to add contemporary pop literature with genuine emotional weight to their repertoire. This arrangement works well for ensembles comfortable with blended chords and sustained writing, and for programs seeking music that reflects students' own musical touchstones.

• Build the emotional arc gradually through dynamics. The power comes from restraint early on, allowing the climax to land with genuine impact rather than shouting from measure one.
• Let the recorded accompaniment guide your tempo and phrasing, especially through the ballad's sustained sections where rubato feels natural but needs to stay connected.
• If performing with both English and Spanish verses, rehearse language clarity separately before combining sections. Vowel consistency matters more than speed for this style.
• Shape phrases with the melody's contour rather than forcing regular dynamic patterns. Honor the emotional shape Estefan wrote into the original.

Feature this in a contemporary pop concert or a program themed around strong female songwriters. It pairs well with other crossover hits that bridge popular and choral styles, and works particularly effectively as a showcase moment in mixed concert programming where it can stand alongside traditional choral literature.

• Singing with stylistic interpretation beyond classical vocal techniques
• Blending chords in contemporary pop-influenced harmony
• Sustaining long phrases with breath control and dynamic shape
• Singing with intentional emotional communication rather than technical execution
• Code-switching between English and Spanish lyrical content