Heart Of Glass: SSA Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement transforms this 1978 disco masterpiece into something vocally engaging without sacrificing the song's infectious groove. The SSA voicing opens the piece to mixed groups while maintaining enough rhythmic and harmonic interest to keep singers invested in every phrase.

Cool and propulsive, with that distinctive Saturday night energy of the original. The arrangement captures the song's hypnotic quality while allowing singers to explore what happens when pop production techniques translate to the human voice.

SSA or SSAA choirs looking for accessible contemporary repertoire with genuine musical substance. This works for groups with solid sight-reading skills and an interest in performing recognizable music that still challenges their musicianship.

• Establish the groove in rehearsal before layering vocal parts; this piece lives in its rhythm section feeling, even without instrumental accompaniment.
• Pay attention to the shimmering quality of the upper voices during the signature synth-like passages; blend and balance these moments so they sparkle rather than blur.
• Lock in the syncopated rhythms across all three parts before worrying about perfecting dynamics; rhythmic confidence will make the whole arrangement breathe.
• Record a rehearsal track early and have singers listen daily; the harmonic movement in this arrangement rewards ear training and melodic independence.

Consider pairing this with other new wave or 1970s-influenced pieces for a concert that celebrates how popular songwriting can meet choral artistry. This also works beautifully as a show choir selection or as a way to draw in singers who might not otherwise engage with traditional choral literature.

• Reading and sustaining syncopated rhythms across multiple vocal lines
• Balancing blend within SSA voicing while maintaining individual line clarity
• Intonation in sustained harmonic passages over moving bass lines
• Developing rhythmic independence and internal pulse without instrumental support
• Interpreting contemporary pop-influenced phrasing and stylistic choices in choral context