From The Start (arr. Roger Emerson): SATB Choral Octavo

Warmth and honesty; the kind of song that makes people listen because something genuine is being communicated, not because of flash or volume. There's a quiet confidence in the melody and harmony that invites rather than demands attention.

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that speaks to younger singers and audiences without abandoning musical credibility. This works for groups comfortable with pop idioms and looking to program something that sounds current without sounding cheap.

• Balance the text clarity in the opening phrase across all four parts; pop arrangements live or die by how well the lyric lands with the audience.
• Shape the dynamic arc conservatively at first, then let it build gradually through repetition rather than jumping to full volume early.
• Keep the jazz elements (swing rhythms, blue notes if present) subtle enough that non-jazz singers don't feel lost, but clear enough that the genre identity comes through.

Pair this with other contemporary songs to create a thematic set about relationships and reflection, or use it as a palate cleanser between more formal classical works in a concert that spans multiple genres. It also serves as an excellent entry point for singers intimidated by more complex choral writing.

• Singing jazz harmonies with accurate intonation
• Balancing pop phrasing with ensemble blend
• Interpreting contemporary lyrical content with emotional intention
• Reading SATB voicings written in modern idioms