I Can See Clearly Now: SSA Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures all the infectious optimism of the original while building it specifically for choir voices. The vocal stacking technique puts every section of your ensemble in the spotlight, which means no one sits idle during this 12-page chart. The syncopated rhythms and hot horn parts transform a feel-good classic into a showstopper that audiences genuinely love.

Pure sunshine and optimism. The arrangement sparkles with bright harmonies and rhythmic precision, driven by the kind of syncopated grooves that make singers want to move. From the first moment, the energy is infectious and the message is clear: this is a celebration.

Any SSA or SSAA choir looking for a contemporary pop standard that delivers excitement without requiring a large instrumentation or complicated vocal techniques. This arrangement works equally well for high school ensembles, community choirs, and show choirs seeking a feel-good addition to a spring concert or competition set.

• Lock in the syncopation early. The rhythmic drive of this arrangement lives in the precision of your vocal lines, so spend rehearsal time on steady subdivision and tight ensemble attacks.
• Lean into the attitude. This song thrives on confidence and brightness, so encourage singers to shape their phrases with energy and lift even in sustained passages.
• Balance the vocal stack layers so the soloists cut through without burying the harmonic support underneath. Use the recorded accompaniment to hear how the parts should sit relative to each other.
• Shape the dynamics across the full arc. The arrangement builds momentum, so resist the urge to sing at full volume early; let the intensity grow where Shaw has written it.

Program this as a closer or an emotional peak in your spring concert. Its uplifting message and audience familiarity make it an excellent choice for fundraising performances or community events. You can also feature it in a pops-focused set alongside other contemporary arrangements, where the recorded accompaniment and optional instrumental parts add polished production value.

• Singing syncopated rhythms with precision and independence from the accompaniment
• Blending within and across vocal parts while maintaining individual line clarity
• Sustaining energy and pitch accuracy in rhythmically driven harmonic textures
• Interpreting contemporary pop style with vocal flexibility and stylistic awareness
• Layering vocal stacks and balancing solo lines with harmonic support