Hooray for Hollywood: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Andy Beck's arrangement captures every ounce of spectacle in the original while keeping the 2-part writing singable and fun. The choreography cues (fanfare, kick-line, impersonator breaks) give your singers permission to perform boldly, and the bouncy 2-beat feel translates instantly to confident ensemble singing. This is the kind of arrangement that makes students excited to come to rehearsal.

Stepping onto a soundstage dressed in sequins and spotlight glow. The arrangement bursts with vaudeville charm and Hollywood glamour; the bouncy rhythm and strategic impersonator breaks invite playfulness without sacrificing musicality. From the first fanfare through the final kick-line, the energy feels celebratory and utterly theatrical.

Directors programming movie-themed concerts or looking for a high-energy opener that bridges classical training and musical theater spirit. The 2-part voicing works for middle school choirs, young high school ensembles, or mixed groups with limited rehearsal time. Singers who thrive on choreography and character work will find this arrangement irresistible.

• Lock in the 2-beat pulse from the opening fanfare. A slight swing feel lifts the bounce without dragging the tempo.
• Treat the three celebrity impersonators as character moments. Each section should feel distinctly performed, not just sung differently.
• The kick-line section needs rhythmic precision. Practice the parts separately first, then layer them so the ensemble locks together visually and aurally.
• Use the recorded accompaniment in rehearsal to nail the arrangement's specific rhythmic style, then conduct live for the performance to maintain flexibility with your singers' staging.

Open a musical theater or movies concert with this crowd-pleaser, or slot it early in a pops program to establish a fun, high-energy tone. It pairs well with other show tunes from the same era and works especially effectively as a contrast to a more serious art song or classical piece later in the program. The integrated staging makes it memorable enough to carry a concert's narrative arc.

• Singing in a steady 2-beat feel with confident rhythm
• Part-singing with independent melodic lines and harmonic awareness
• Coordinate singing with choreography and character work simultaneously
• Interpret stylistic elements (swing, vaudeville phrasing, theatrical expression)
• Balance ensemble blend while performing with exaggerated character personalities