Edge Of Seventeen (arr. Paul Langford): SSA Choral Octavo

Langford's arrangement captures the driving energy and swagger of the original while making it accessible for SSA ensembles. The arrangement respects Nicks' iconic vocal line while creating rich harmonic textures that keep singers engaged throughout the 22 pages. This is the kind of contemporary rock standard that generates genuine excitement in rehearsal.

Confident and propulsive. The song carries the swagger of late 70s rock, with Nicks' unforgettable vocal hook anchoring everything. Even in a choral setting, this arrangement should feel live and present, with enough rhythmic precision to suggest a rock ensemble rather than a classical choir.

Directors building a pop and rock repertoire that doesn't compromise on musicianship. SSA choirs looking for something with attitude, singability, and enough harmonic interest to challenge growing singers. Students who connect more readily with contemporary music and need that entry point into choral singing.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the verse sections; the groove of this song depends on locking the pulse without dragging or rushing.
• Find the character shift between sections. The arrangement likely moves between different textural densities, so mark those transitions clearly and rehearse the ensemble's ability to shift energy accordingly.
• Let the soloists own their moments. Nicks' delivery is confident and slightly defiant; encourage your singers to bring personality to their featured passages rather than blending into anonymity.

Place this alongside other contemporary rock and pop arrangements to build a modern concert set that audiences actually want to hear. It works equally well as a showstopper closer or as part of a multi-song pop medley. Consider programming it when you're aiming to reach students or audience members who might feel alienated by exclusively classical programming.

• Rhythmic precision in a rock context with syncopated patterns
• Vocal production for contemporary styles with belt-adjacent passages
• Harmonic awareness in arrangements built on functional chord progressions
• Interpretive choices and stylistic phrasing beyond classical legit singing
• Blend and balance when layering parts in a non-traditional choral texture