Ease on Down the Road (from The Wiz): 2-Part Choral Octavo
From the Musical The Wiz
Words and music by Charlie Smalls / arr. Jeff Funk
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0002553
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Let your children's choir sing this well-known Broadway hit with its driving rock beats by Jeff Funk like never before. It will certainly take your audience down memory lane.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0002553
More about this title
About the Composer: Charlie Smalls
Charlie Smalls composed the complete score for The Wiz (1975), the landmark Broadway musical that reimagined The Wonderful Wizard of Oz through an African American lens. His music became instantly iconic, blending soul, funk, and pop sensibilities with theatrical storytelling. Smalls' work on The Wiz earned him a Tony Award nomination and cemented "Ease on Down the Road" as one of the most recognizable Broadway songs in American theater.
Why we love this
Jeff Funk's arrangement captures the swagger and forward momentum of the original while making it entirely accessible to young choirs. The 2-part voicing stays singable without sacrificing the driving rock feel that makes this song irresistible. Your singers will love the groove, and your audience will instantly connect with this beloved Broadway classic.
What to expect
Confident and propulsive. The rock beat beneath the vocal lines creates an irresistible forward motion that puts singers in a mindset of determination and joy. There's infectious optimism here, paired with a contemporary edge that feels fresh rather than dated.
Who it's for
Children's choirs at the elementary and early middle school level who are ready for rhythmically engaging, contemporary material. This works equally well for choirs developing confidence with syncopation and groove-based music as for ensembles seeking repertoire with immediate theatrical appeal.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythmic feel with the recorded accompaniment to nail the funk groove that defines this arrangement.
- Emphasize the syncopation in the vocal lines; this piece lives and breathes in the spaces between the beat.
- Encourage bright, forward vowels on the main melodic phrases to cut through the rock-oriented accompaniment.
- Keep the energy consistent throughout; this song's power comes from relentless momentum, not dramatic dynamics.
How to use it
Program this as a high-energy closer or as the centerpiece of a Broadway-themed concert. It pairs well with other contemporary pop or musical theater selections and provides an effective contrast to traditional choral repertoire on a mixed program. The familiarity of the melody makes it an excellent choice for concerts where audience engagement and sing-along potential matter.
Skills your students will build
- Singing syncopated rhythms in a pop/rock style
- Maintaining steady pulse against syncopated vocal lines
- Blending in 2-part harmony while keeping rhythmic integrity
- Performing with style and character in a contemporary musical theater context