Hair: SAB Choral Octavo
From the Musical Hair
Music by Galt MacDermot, words by James Rado and Gerome Ragni / arr. Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0007967
$1.85
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
It's the 60s, the Age of Aquarius, of hippies, and of the surprise Broadway smash Hair. Here's the title number from the show . . . a real retro hit. The lyrics include 29 adjectives to describe hair. (Don't believe us? Count 'em!) Great fun for everyone.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007967
More about this title
About the Composer: Galt MacDermot
Galt MacDermot composed the score for Hair, the 1968 Broadway phenomenon that bridged the gap between rock music and musical theater. His work on Hair demonstrated that contemporary popular music could anchor a major stage production, influencing how Broadway approached modern scores for decades to come. MacDermot's gift for melody and his fluency in rock idioms made him essential to the show's cultural impact and enduring popularity.
Beyond Hair, MacDermot built a career composing for theater, film, and dance, always with an ear for what made audiences respond. His compositions for choral and educational ensembles reflect the same accessibility and rhythmic vitality that made Hair a phenomenon, making his work valuable for singers learning to bridge classical training with contemporary styles.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the playful irreverence of the original while remaining genuinely singable for SAB ensembles. Jay Althouse's orchestration preserves the rock sensibility that made the title track iconic, and the 29 adjectives about hair create a natural point of focus that students find hilarious and memorable. Programming this alongside more traditional repertoire signals to audiences that your choir lives in the real world.
What to expect
Infectious and carefree, with an undeniable 1960s groove that puts performers and listeners in a lighthearted mood immediately. The song's infectious melody and novelty lyrics create an almost celebratory atmosphere, as if the whole ensemble is in on an inside joke that feels genuinely fun to sing.
Who it's for
SAB choirs ranging from middle school to community ensembles, particularly those looking to include material that reflects students' actual musical world. Directors seeking a Broadway selection that energizes rehearsals and audiences without requiring a full orchestra will find this invaluable.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the rhythm section locked and driving throughout. The groove depends on consistent energy from your percussion and any available bass line, so rehearse these parts separately first.
- Treat the lyric list as comedy. The rapid-fire adjectives work best when singers commit fully to enunciation and give each word space to land.
- Balance blend against clarity on the solos. If you're using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse sight lines so audiences know where to listen during featured moments.
- Lean into the retro rock sound. This isn't a ballad or a classical arrangement, so encourage singers to use a more contemporary vocal approach than they might elsewhere in your program.
How to use it
Pair this with your lighter or contemporary set to give audiences a tonal shift and a chance to smile. It works equally well as a concert closer or as the centerpiece of a 1960s themed program that might include other period music, providing a bridge between rock sensibility and choral musicality.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining rhythmic precision within a groove-based arrangement
- Clear, rapid articulation of text at tempo
- Balancing pop/rock vocal production with choral blend
- Responding to a recorded accompaniment track
- Musical characterization and comedic timing