Get Ready (from Ain't Too Proud) (arr. Roger Emerson): SATB Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the infectious energy and groove of the original without sacrificing ensemble clarity. The piece sits at an accessible level while still rewarding mature musicianship, making it perfect for choirs looking to program something contemporary that genuinely excites singers without oversimplifying the harmonic content.

Infectious and propulsive. The piece radiates the confidence of a group that knows exactly who they are, with the kind of rhythmic precision and harmonic sophistication that makes singers feel like they're part of something bigger. There's joy in the singing and a built-in groove that keeps energy high from downbeat to final chord.

This arrangement serves choirs of intermediate to advanced skill levels who want to program recognizable popular material. It works equally well for high school show choirs, college ensembles, and community groups aiming for audience engagement without sacrificing musical credibility.

• Lock the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsals. The groove depends on voices landing together on subdivisions; isolate sections on the eighth-note pulse before layering parts.
• Shape phrases by tracking the melody's arc rather than mechanical breathing marks. Let the lyrical content and the original's phrasing guide your breaths.
• Balance the bass line so it anchors without overwhelming. This part carries the foundation, but sopranos and altos need room to speak above it.
• Record sections singing independently, then listen back. Hearing individual voices reveals blend issues and intonation drift that may be masked in rehearsal.

Use this as a program closer or as part of a Motown or contemporary pop set. It pairs well on a concert mixing Broadway and popular music, where its theatrical energy and vocal firepower create a satisfying peak moment. The nine-page length makes it a substantial standalone piece without demanding excessive rehearsal time relative to its impact.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated and swing-inflected lines
• Balancing solo and ensemble roles within a four-part texture
• Sustaining energy and groove through repeated sections
• Blending with a rhythm section-based harmonic foundation
• Interpreting contemporary popular material with vocal maturity