Everything: SSSA, a cappella Choral Octavo
Words and music by Michael Bublé, Alan Chang, and Amy Foster / arr. Kirby Shaw
Item: 00-PO-0006888
$2.10
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
One moment…
Description
Here's a cute, quick (two-minute) rendition of the Michael Bublé hit. Heartfelt lyrics recognize that despite living in crazy times, a special person in your life makes it worthwhile. No solo or vocal percussion required---this contemporary a cappella arrangement covers the tune with the choir and incorporates aspirated "chk's" as built-in rhythm. Additionally, "doom's" in the lowest voice part layout a supportive bass line, and a catchy "La la" refrain stays in the ear long after the final cutoff. Equally effective with large groups or small ensembles.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006888
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé is a Canadian singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in the 2000s by blending jazz standards with contemporary pop sensibilities. His approach to melody and lyrical warmth has made his compositions appealing across multiple genres and age groups, from children's choirs to professional ensembles. In the choral world, his songs have become fixtures in pop repertoire collections because they balance accessibility with genuine musical substance.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw's arrangement strips the song to its essence while keeping it engaging enough to hold an audience's attention. The built-in rhythmic elements (the aspirated 'chk's' and supportive 'doom's' in the bass) mean your singers create the texture themselves rather than relying on a backing track, which builds genuine ensemble awareness. Two minutes is the perfect length for a concert opener or closer that lands without overstaying its welcome.
What to expect
Warmth and simplicity. The song leans into its lyrical message about finding meaning in connection, and Shaw's arrangement honors that without overselling it. There's lightness in the 'La la's and grounded support from the lower voices, creating an intimate feeling even in larger settings.
Who it's for
This arrangement works for treble-heavy choirs and small chamber ensembles alike. It's ideal for programs that want contemporary pop material with genuine harmonic interest and built-in pedagogical benefits (rhythm reading, blend, blend-focused ensemble work).
How to get the most out of it
- Make the aspirated 'chk's' consistent across all voices; they're not decorative, they're your percussion section. Rehearse them as precisely as you would rhythm section parts in a pop band.
- Anchor the bass line with confidence. Those 'doom's' need to sit low and steady so the upper voices can float their melody and refrain without searching for harmonic ground.
- Shape the 'La la' refrain so it lands memorably. This section stays with listeners, so treat it as the musical hook it is rather than background filler.
How to use it
This is an excellent opener for a pop-focused concert or a lighter second-half moment in a mixed repertoire program. Its brevity and accessibility make it a natural fit alongside other contemporary a cappella arrangements, and the heartfelt text provides a human-centered counterpoint to novelty or uptempo numbers on the same concert.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision using body percussion (aspirated consonants) rather than instruments
- Harmonic blend and voicing awareness in upper voice parts
- Bass line independence and stability
- Memorization of contemporary melodic and harmonic content
- Ensemble balance with limited accompaniment