Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall (arr. Susan Brumfield): Choral Instrumental Pak

Susan Brumfield's arrangement opens a genuine hit to singers who may never have performed contemporary pop in a choral setting. The energy and rhythmic drive of this piece engage young singers immediately while the harmonic content offers enough substance to sustain rehearsal interest across multiple weeks.

Infectious optimism paired with introspection, this piece captures the emotional lift of its lyrics while maintaining an accessible, rhythmically engaging character. The arrangement pulses with energy that pulls singers forward even as the harmonic language draws listeners inward.

Young singers encountering choral music for the first time benefit from repertoire that connects to their listening lives. This arrangement works equally well in a concert setting, musical theater program, or as an all-festival piece where contemporary music programming is valued.

• Keep the rhythmic pulse steady and propulsive; this song thrives on forward momentum rather than expressive rubato.
• Shape phrases around the lyrical content rather than harmonic cadences, which creates a more natural, speech-like delivery.
• Balance the vocal lines with the instrumental accompaniment so the choir remains the focal point without fighting against the track.
• Build intensity gradually through the arrangement; resist the urge to sing full volume from the beginning.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to build a compelling second set, or use it as a standalone feature that demonstrates your ensemble's range beyond traditional art song. It also serves as an excellent concert closer when you want to send audiences out with genuine joy and connection.

• Rhythmic precision in contemporary pop idioms
• Blending with instrumental accompaniment tracks
• Phrasing based on text meaning rather than melodic structure
• Ensemble cohesion at faster tempos with active rhythmic momentum