I Heard It Through The Grapevine (arr. Ed Lojeski): TTBB Choral Octavo

Ed Lojeski's arrangement captures the sophisticated groove and soulful character of this Motown classic while making it entirely singable for male choral ensembles. The voicing choices preserve the original's harmonic richness, and the flexible configuration (TB/TTB/TBB/TTBB) means you can perform it regardless of your current roster. Your singers will connect immediately with the melody and message while deepening their understanding of how to handle contemporary pop arrangements.

There's an undeniable swagger to this arrangement, built on the tension between the relentless rhythmic groove and the emotional vulnerability of the lyrics. Lojeski captures the original's mixture of infectious rhythm and genuine heartache, creating something that feels both celebratory and introspective at the same time.

Any director working with TTBB ensembles who want to program contemporary pop with real substance. The piece works equally well for high school male choirs, college groups, and community ensembles seeking accessible yet sophisticated repertoire. If you're building a concert around hits that audiences recognize, this is a reliable choice.

• Keep the rhythm section locked; the groove is everything in this piece. If you're using the accompaniment, make sure the rhythm sits solidly in place before layering in the vocal parts.
• Balance is crucial between the melody line and harmonic support. The top voice should cut through without the lower voices receding into the background.
• Find the soul in the phrasing rather than over-pronouncing every syllable. Lojeski's arrangement rewards singers who understand the style and let the groove breathe.
• Pay attention to the lyrics and what they convey; the emotional truth of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" matters as much as the notes on the page.

Place this where you need a song that bridges generations and reminds audiences why Motown remains relevant. It pairs well with other soul standards in a concert celebrating American songwriting, or you can anchor a contemporary pops section with it. The 11-page arrangement gives you a substantial, satisfying performance piece rather than a quick novelty number.

• Maintaining rhythmic integrity and groove while singing in parts
• Blending and balancing within TTBB voicing
• Phrasing and interpretation in contemporary pop idiom
• Understanding soul music's harmonic and rhythmic conventions