Everybody Says Don't: Choral SoundPax

Mark Hayes's arrangement captures the relentless energy of the song through textural contrast and rhythmic precision. The interplay between driving unison sections and fuller harmonic writing keeps singers engaged and audiences leaning forward, while the accompaniment's urgency propels the piece forward without overwhelming the voices.

Kinetic and purposeful. The rapid-fire unison passages feel conversational and urgent, like someone making their case against all odds, while the harmonic sections lift the energy skyward. Throughout, there's a sense of playful defiance—upbeat and determined, never pessimistic.

High school and college choirs ready to tackle Sondheim's sophisticated text and rhythmic demands. The SoundPax format makes it accessible for groups of varying sizes, and the recorded accompaniment option supports rehearsals when a pianist isn't available.

• Commit to the rhythmic precision in the patter sections; these rapid, unison passages need mechanical accuracy so the text comes through clearly and the humor lands.
• Shape the full harmony sections with dynamic intent, allowing them to feel like moments of relief and expansion after the tighter unison work.
• Coordinate closely with your accompanist on the driving rhythms; the piano part is what generates the sense of forward momentum, so lock in on the pulse together during rehearsals.
• Don't back away from the text's optimistic energy. This song works best when singers believe in the "don't take no for an answer" attitude they're singing about.

Pair this with other Broadway selections to showcase your choir's versatility, or program it as an opener to grab attention and set an energetic tone for the entire concert. It works equally well in a spring show or a cabaret-style performance where Sondheim's wit can shine.

• Rhythmic precision in rapid unison passages
• Articulation clarity in patter singing
• Textural contrast between unison and harmony sections
• Interpretation of Sondheim's sophisticated lyrical material
• Synchronization with a driving accompaniment part