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

Roger Emerson captures the infectious groove and vocal swagger of this Motown classic in a way that energizes any ensemble. The arrangement respects the original's iconic elements while remaining accessible for high school and community choirs, making it both authentic and achievable. Your audience will recognize it immediately, and your singers will feel the satisfaction of nailing a piece of genuine popular music history.

Smooth, confident, and irresistibly groovy. There's joy in the precision here; the kind of satisfaction that comes from nailing tight harmonies over a compelling rhythm. The Motown DNA runs through every measure, giving performers access to a sound that feels both timeless and alive.

High school and community choirs looking for a contemporary piece with genuine cultural weight. This works equally well for competitive show choirs or traditional concert programs where you want to reach audiences beyond the usual classical repertoire.

• Lock the rhythm section into the pocket early in rehearsals. The Motown feel depends entirely on how tightly the drums and bass sit together, which gives the singers permission to relax into the groove.
• Emphasize crisp articulation on the background vocal lines. Those signature 'Temptations' interjections need clarity and precision to cut through the mix.
• Let the lead vocalist own the phrasing. Smokey Robinson's original performance has unmistakable stylistic choices, so encourage your soloist to listen closely and claim their own interpretation rather than singing it straight.
• Shape the dynamic arc across the whole number. This arrangement builds momentum, so resist the urge to sing it at full volume from the downbeat.

Feature this as a concert highlight that bridges your classical and popular offerings, or use it to open a set and immediately establish an energetic tone. It pairs naturally with other Broadway material, especially if you're building a program around contemporary musical theater or exploring American popular music history.

• Singing with precision and blend in a groove-based idiom
• Interpreting stylistic phrasing from recorded models
• Balancing solo and ensemble roles
• Maintaining rhythmic independence while singing in a rhythm section context
• Understanding the foundational elements of Motown-era vocal production