Feelin' Alright (arr. Kirby Shaw): SATB Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the grit and groove of the original without requiring instrumental prowess beyond what most choirs can deliver. The voicing sits comfortably for mixed voices while preserving the song's swagger, making it equally effective in a concert setting or as a morale booster during rehearsal.

Relaxed and confident. The harmonic language sits in familiar pop territory, but Shaw's voicing choices add sophistication beneath the surface. Singing this feels less like performing and more like settling into a groove with friends.

Directors seeking contemporary rock repertoire that works for secular choirs without veering into either schmaltz or parody. This arrangement also suits high school and college singers who connect more readily with familiar pop and rock material than standard choral fare.

• Commit fully to the laid-back phrasing. This song resists metronomic precision; allow the rhythm section breathing room to establish pocket before the choir locks in.
• Shape phrases with intention around the lyrical content rather than purely by phrase length. The text drives the musical line here.
• Let the soloists own their moments. A strong lead voice (or rotating leads) gives the arrangement its soul and invites the ensemble to support rather than dominate.

This works beautifully as a closer on a pops or mixed concert, especially one that includes other contemporary material. It also serves as an excellent piece for building ensemble confidence early in the year, since singers immediately recognize and enjoy the source material.

• Singing with rhythmic flexibility and swing feel
• Blending and balancing voices in a pop/rock harmonic context
• Interpreting lyrics with emotional authenticity rather than technical display
• Supporting solo and featured voices within a choral texture