Gonna Get Over You: SSATB, a cappella Choral Octavo

Bryan Sharpe's arrangement captures the infectious optimism of Bareilles' original while building layers of rhythmic precision that keep singers locked in together. The tight voicings and relentless pulse make this feel genuinely modern, and your ensemble will love how the energy lifts naturally without requiring instrumental support. It's exactly the kind of contemporary pop arrangement that sounds effortless but demands real attention to detail from your singers.

Upbeat and resilient, with an almost conversational tone that never feels overly produced. The piece bounces forward with steady rhythmic momentum and surprisingly sophisticated harmonies tucked beneath Bareilles' defiant message about moving on, creating a sound that feels both radio-friendly and genuinely musical.

This arrangement works for any SATB choir with secure ensemble skills and comfort in contemporary idioms. It suits intermediate to advanced high school groups and collegiate singers looking for accessible yet engaging pop repertoire that doesn't require instrumental accompaniment.

• Establish the rhythmic groove in the first rehearsal by isolating the bass and drum patterns (sung on syllables like 'boom' and 'tap') before adding melody lines. This foundation prevents the piece from dragging when tempo wavers.
• Mark every entrance cue in pencil. With four voices and no instruments, missed entries become immediately obvious; clarity here transforms the sound from good to polished.
• Lock dynamics with your rhythm section (soprano and bass particularly). They carry the energy; when they control the lift and release, the middle voices follow naturally.
• Record rehearsals weekly and listen back as a full ensemble. A cappella singing exposes balance issues immediately, and hearing themselves recorded often motivates singers to tighten intonation faster than verbal feedback alone.

This pairs naturally on a concert of contemporary choral pop or as a statement opener that signals you're programming living repertoire alongside classical standards. It also works well in a set exploring themes of resilience and independence, where its emotional clarity complements both uptempo pop songs and ballads in the same program.

• Maintaining precise rhythmic entrances in a cappella settings
• Balancing four independent lines without instrumental support
• Performing contemporary pop idioms with accurate intonation
• Responding to interpretive direction in modern choral arranging
• Reading and executing staggered rhythmic patterns in close harmony