Empire State Of Mind: SATB Choral Octavo

Tim Davis and Adam Anders have crafted an arrangement that honors the original's iconic hook while giving your choir genuine musical substance. The hip-hop DNA stays intact, but the four-part writing creates opportunities for rhythmic precision and independence that elevate what might otherwise be a novelty selection into genuinely engaging ensemble work.

The arrangement captures the anthem quality of the original: confident, celebratory, and built on a melody that sticks immediately. Despite its pop foundation, the four-part voicing creates textural depth that rewards careful listening and gives each voice part meaningful material to execute.

Choirs looking to bridge contemporary popular music with concert repertoire will find this arrangement meets their singers where they are. It works for directors seeking to expand their season's stylistic range without abandoning musicianship standards.

• Nail the rhythmic pocket early. The groove depends on locked precision from all four voice parts, not on pushing the tempo or adding extra energy.
• Balance the soprano line so it lands clearly without drowning out the supporting voices; this melody carries the song's identity.
• Emphasize the hook's repetition rather than interpreting each iteration freshly; the power comes from consistency and groove.
• Use recorded accompaniment to establish the harmonic and rhythmic foundation, then gradually reduce reliance on it during rehearsals so your singers own the part.

Pair this with a more traditional choral work to create contrast within a single concert, or use it as an opener to establish energy and connection with an audience. The contemporary source material and recognizable hook make it an excellent recruiting tool during festival appearances or pops concerts.

• Rhythmic precision in a contemporary groove context
• Balancing melody and supporting harmonic lines
• Ensemble awareness across multiple independent voice parts
• Interpretation of contemporary popular music through a concert music lens