Hooked On A Feeling (arr. Jon Nicholas): SATB Choral Octavo

Jon Nicholas's arrangement captures the infectious energy of this pop standard while giving it genuine barbershop flavor. The voicing sits beautifully for SATB groups and never sacrifices musicality for the sake of novelty; singers get a chart that sounds great and feels rewarding to perform, which is the hallmark of successful pop arrangements.

Upbeat and playful, with a winking nod to barbershop style that feels earned rather than forced. The arrangement brings out the charm in this melody while keeping the energy bright and the vibe singable.

Any SATB choir looking to add contemporary pop material that still feels like genuine choral writing. This works equally well for high school groups seeking accessible secular repertoire and adult choirs wanting something fun and recognizable without being trivial.

• Lock into a steady, confident pulse from the opening phrase. This tune thrives on groove and momentum, so establish that foundation early in rehearsal and return to it whenever the ensemble drifts toward tentative phrasing.
• Emphasize the homophonic moments where all voices land together on the hook. These unison or block chord sections are what give the arrangement its punch and should feel deliberate and clean.
• Balance the inner voices carefully during longer melodic passages. Tenors and altos carry countermelody weight in several sections, so make sure they hear themselves and commit to their lines with confidence.
• Shape the phrase endings with slight space rather than cutting them short. This tune asks for a relaxed, sung quality even when the energy is high, so give yourself room to breathe between sections.

This makes a strong choice for a lighter moment in a concert program or as part of a pop/contemporary set. It pairs well with other arranged standards or pop songs, and the seven-page length means it won't demand excessive rehearsal time before a performance.

• Balancing melody, countermelody, and inner voices in close harmony
• Executing block chords with rhythmic precision
• Maintaining groove and steady pulse in contemporary arrangements
• Shaping popular song phrasing within a choral context