Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock created one of musical theater's most enduring partnerships, crafting songs that balance emotional depth with accessibility. Their work on Fiddler on the Roof (1964) set a new standard for how Broadway music could engage with cultural identity and tradition while remaining universally resonant. Harnick's lyrics and Bock's melodies together have educated generations of singers in the craft of storytelling through song.
Why we love this
Ed Lojeski's arrangement preserves the emotional arc of Fiddler while scaling it intelligently for developing choirs. A medley format lets you program substantial musical content without asking singers to hold focus for an extended single piece, and the 2-part voicing keeps the arrangement accessible while maintaining the sophistication that makes this show special to audiences.
What to expect
Warmth mixed with longing. The melodies carry the weight of a community's story, and even in a shortened medley form, you hear the pull between honoring what's been passed down and stepping into an uncertain future. There's joy here too, but it's never careless.
Who it's for
Treble choirs (SSA or SA voicings) and mixed choirs looking for Broadway material that connects to themes of family, tradition, and resilience. This works for choirs with one to two years of reading experience who are ready to move beyond unison arrangements but aren't yet tackling complex divisi.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the phrasing through the lyrics rather than stopping at printed phrase marks. These melodies were written for storytelling, so let the text guide your breath placement and line direction.
Balance clarity of diction against legit vocal production. Young singers often choose one or the other; Fiddler requires both to land its emotional moments.
Work through the medley transitions separately. Understanding how one song connects to the next keeps the piece from feeling episodic.
How to use it
Consider pairing this with a concert theme exploring cultural identity, family stories, or social change. A medley also sits well in a mixed program as a bridge between classical and contemporary work, giving audiences a chance to settle into something they may already know while your choir demonstrates its range.
Skills your students will build
Legit singing technique with clear diction
Phrasing shaped by textual meaning rather than notation alone
Secure part singing in a medley format with multiple thematic sections
Musical storytelling and emotional communication
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
