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

Roger Emerson's SAB arrangement captures the irresistible momentum of this Motown classic while keeping the voicing accessible for mixed ensembles. The infectious groove and call-and-response sections give singers something genuinely fun to perform, and audiences respond immediately to the energy and familiarity of the tune.

Get Ready pulses with anticipation and joy. There's a swagger to the groove that makes singers feel confident and capable, while the straightforward message and memorable melody keep the focus on pure musicality and fun. It's the kind of piece that makes a rehearsal room smile.

This arrangement works for middle school, high school, and community choirs looking for accessible pop repertoire with genuine style. It's equally at home in a concert setting or as an uplifting pop encore that connects with audiences of all ages.

• Lock the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsal. The groove depends on crisp, unified articulation across all three parts, not just the bass line.
• Highlight the call-and-response moments between sections. These exchanges are where the arrangement breathes and where singers can really connect with the audience.
• Dial in the balance between precision and pocket. Clean entrances matter, but don't let accuracy rob the piece of its swagger and forward motion.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the tempo and feel, then gradually move toward singing with a live rhythm section if possible.

Program this in the second half of a concert to shift energy and connect with listeners who grew up on Motown or who simply love a good pop number. It pairs well with other classic pop or rock arrangements and can serve as a bridge between more formal classical work and lighter contemporary fare.

• Call-and-response singing and ensemble awareness
• Steady groove maintenance across a fixed tempo
• Rhythmic precision with contemporary pop vocabulary
• Balancing articulation clarity with pocket feel
• Part independence in a three-part texture