Feelin' Alright: SSA Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw brings out the infectious groove of this tune without oversimplifying the harmonic interest that makes the original compelling. The SSA voicing is accessible enough for developing choirs while maintaining enough sophistication to keep advanced singers engaged with layered parts and strategic textural shifts.

Optimistic and warmly grooving, this arrangement captures the irrepressible spirit of its source material while creating moments of genuine vocal intimacy. There's a lightness here that refreshes an audience without sacrificing musicality or craft.

Directors programming pop and rock repertoire for SSA or SSAA choirs will find a piece that bridges contemporary appeal with solid arranging craft. This works equally well for building ensemble confidence in a younger choir or as a contrast piece in a mixed-level program.

• Lock the rhythmic pocket early. This arrangement thrives on a relaxed, swinging feel rather than metronomic precision; rehearse the rhythm section foundation first so singers can settle into the groove.
• Balance the solo sections carefully. When individual singers step out on the featured material, maintain ensemble energy underneath rather than pulling back to accompanying-only mode.
• Shape the dynamics according to the text. The repeated affirmations in 'Feelin' Alright' gain power through graduated dynamic growth, not sudden jumps.
• Explore the character of each section change. The arrangement shifts between intimate moments and fuller textures; mark these transitions clearly so singers understand the emotional arc.

Place this strategically in a set with other contemporary pop titles to give your program momentum and energy during the second half. The ten pages and moderate difficulty level make it a strong choice for a spring concert or a fun addition to a pop-focused concert series without requiring extensive rehearsal time.

• Rhythmic flexibility and swing feel within a contemporary pop context
• Vocal blend across changing harmonic textures and part distributions
• Phrasing with text emphasis in a groove-based musical environment
• Part independence while maintaining ensemble cohesion