I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Bill Backer, Roquel Davis, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway / arr. Mark Hayes
Item: 00-PO-0006951
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A blast from the past with a message built to last! This song of hope and love originated as the 1970s Coca-Cola jingle, considered one of the best-loved and most influential ads in TV history. It's a catchy anthem with a rock-side-to-side hook, a bubbly tune, and a few delightful counterlines. Universal themes of music and world harmony fit well on many programs---school, community, winter, spring, pop, pyramid, and more. SoundTrax and SoundPax accompaniment options are available.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0006951
More about this title
About the Composer: Bill Backer
Bill Backer co-wrote one of the most recognizable advertising jingles of the 20th century. His work on "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" with Roquel Davis, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway created a song that transcended its commercial origins to become a genuine cultural artifact, recorded by numerous artists and performed in countless contexts far beyond the original 1971 Coca-Cola campaign.
Backer's contribution to popular music history lies in his ability to craft a melody and message with universal appeal. The song's emphasis on unity, peace, and connection through music has made it relevant across generations and programming contexts, demonstrating how effective pop songwriting can carry meaningful themes while remaining immediately accessible to singers and audiences alike.
Why we love this
Mark Hayes has arranged this iconic tune with the kind of sophistication that respects the original while giving your singers real material to work with. The 2-part voicing stays singable without sacrificing musicality, and the counterlines add textural interest that elevates what could easily be a straightforward jingle into something worth rehearsing and performing.
What to expect
Warmth, hope, and infectious optimism. The melody settles comfortably in the voice while the harmony fills out with surprising sophistication; you get that nostalgic hit of recognition mixed with the genuine joy of singing something well-crafted that genuinely means something.
Who it's for
Any choir looking for a contemporary pop selection that connects with audiences across generations and programming contexts. The 2-part voicing makes this accessible for middle school, community, and younger high school choirs while the quality of the arrangement keeps it engaging for more experienced singers.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the rock groove with clarity of text; the hook "I'd like to buy the world a Coke" needs rhythmic precision, so establish the pulse early and keep the ensemble locked into the rock-side-to-side motion throughout.
- Lean into the optimism of the message without overselling sentimentality. This song thrives on buoyancy and directness, so keep the energy lifted and the tone genuine.
- Use the counterlines as opportunities to build harmonic texture; bring them out enough that listeners hear the interplay between the parts, but not so much that they overshadow the main melody.
- If you're using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse enough with it that your singers can respond to its energy rather than simply following along passively.
How to use it
Program this alongside other pop and secular selections to create a diverse concert that speaks to modern audiences. Its themes of unity and connection work equally well for holiday programs, spring concerts, community performances, or pop-themed events. The piece serves as a bridge between popular music and choral literature, making it ideal when you want programming that feels current and relatable.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melodic clarity with harmonic texture in 2-part writing
- Interpreting rhythmic groove and rock-influenced phrasing
- Shaping a message-driven text with conviction and authenticity
- Ensemble precision in a contemporary pop idiom