Found: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Warren's gift for writing memorable melodies paired with Andy Beck's clean, energetic arrangement makes this a piece that singers genuinely want to rehearse and audiences genuinely want to hear. The funky pop groove provides rhythmic engagement without compromising the sweetness of the harmony, and the graduation programming angle gives you multiple performance opportunities from a single, high-interest title.

Bright, optimistic, and genuinely groovy. The piece pulses with a pop sensibility that feels current without sounding dated, and the lyrical message of friendship and belonging creates an emotional warmth underneath the funky rhythmic energy. Singers experience the joy of performing something that feels contemporary and real.

Any choir looking for contemporary repertoire with immediate appeal to singers and audiences. This works equally well for middle school ensembles seeking something fun and age-appropriate, high school choirs wanting a modern concert feature, or mixed groups building a graduation set list.

• Lock the groove with your rhythm section (drums and bass on the SoundTrax) by having singers tap or snap the backbeat during early rehearsals to internalize the pocket before layering in the melody.
• Balance the lead vocal line against the supporting harmonies; the feature should sit slightly forward, but the pop voicing only works when all parts maintain their energy and clarity.
• Keep the energy conversational rather than belted, especially in the verses. This piece thrives on a warm, connected tone that lets the lyrics land emotionally.
• Use the recorded accompaniment in early rehearsals to establish tempo and feel, then gradually build independence so singers can focus on blend and the recorded track becomes optional.

Schedule this as a standalone concert feature in the first half of your program where it will energize the room and set a celebratory tone. Its dual purpose makes it a natural fit for both spring concerts and graduation ceremonies, allowing you to reprogram the same prepared piece across two separate events.

• Singing with a pop/contemporary style (looser vowels, rhythmic precision over legit tone)
• Maintaining groove and pocket with a recorded rhythm section
• Balancing lead vocals with supporting harmonies in contemporary pop voicing
• Text clarity and emotional delivery in a secular, story-driven arrangement