Getting There: Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement transforms this piece into a remarkably singable a cappella work that doesn't sacrifice sophistication. The 18 pages give you genuine substance to work with, and the harmonic palette sits perfectly for mixed choirs looking to program something current without relying on pop covers.

The piece carries an intimate, reflective quality that draws listeners inward. Without instrumental support, every harmonic choice becomes audible, creating an immediacy that feels both vulnerable and genuinely connected.

This octavo works for choirs with solid fundamental skills in tuning and part independence. It suits groups comfortable with contemporary harmonic language and looking to expand beyond traditional choral literature without stepping into full concert arrangements.

• Shape each phrase through the harmonic rhythm rather than forcing dramatic tempo changes; the piece breathes naturally when you follow the underlying chord movement.
• Establish your blend during the first rehearsal by spending time on vowel consistency across the full range of the choir, particularly in the higher register where blend tends to fragment.
• Record a simple click track or use a metronome app during sectionals so singers can internalize the rhythmic foundation without dependence on the tenor line.
• Balance the arrangement's textural shifts by being explicit about which voices carry the primary melody in each section; ambiguity here muddies the emotional arc.

Pair this with other a cappella works to create a focused concert segment, or use it as an emotional centerpiece that contrasts with more energetic repertoire. It works particularly well in spring concerts where programming can afford to emphasize artistry over spectacle.

• Sustaining pitch accuracy across extended a cappella passages
• Part independence in contemporary harmonic contexts
• Blending across multiple vowel positions and dynamic levels
• Interpreting emotional subtext through ensemble balance and shaping
• Reading and executing rhythmic precision without instrumental reference