I'm Still Standing (arr. Pete Schmutte): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Elton John / Arranged by Pete Schmutte
Item: 35-PK00409493
$40.00
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Description
British rocker Elton John made this famous in 1983 and stated that it was "my reaction to still being relevant and successful in the early 1980's." The message rings just as clear today with rock and roll still ruling the music scene, generation after generation. Instrumental parts available for a powerhouse performance.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00409493
More about this title
About the Artist: Elton John
Elton John emerged as one of the defining voices of 1970s rock, crafting anthemic songs that blended piano-driven melodies with theatrical arrangements. His catalog spans decades of cultural moments, from introspective ballads to stadium-filling rockers, making him a cornerstone of modern popular music that students encounter across generations.
Why we love this
Pete Schmutte's arrangement captures the defiant energy of the original while giving your ensemble a chance to own a certified rock staple. The accessibility of this package means students engage with a song they already know, removing the barrier of unfamiliar material and letting them focus on delivering a genuinely powerful performance.
What to expect
Defiant, energetic, and celebratory. The arrangement carries the swagger of the original recording while giving space for the choir to deliver the emotional core of the lyrics. There's an infectious sense of triumph here, the kind that resonates in a concert hall long after the last note fades.
Who it's for
Choirs with access to instrumentalists or the resources to expand beyond voices alone. This works equally well for high school groups looking to program something contemporary and engaging, or for community/college ensembles building a mixed concert with broader appeal.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the rhythmic backbone locked and tight; this song lives in its groove, and any sloppiness in the instrumental parts will pull the energy down immediately.
- Don't let the familiarity of the tune trick you into playing it safe. Lean into the rock attitude with crisp articulation and confident dynamics.
- Balance the choir against the instrumental parts so neither overshadows the other. The instruments should feel like they're supporting the message, not competing with it.
- Work the tempo with intention. The song needs momentum, but rushing it flattens the impact of the big moments.
How to use it
Position this as a centerpiece for a concert that bridges classical and contemporary repertoire, or as the finale of a set built around songs of resilience and reinvention. Its energy and recognizability make it a natural crowd-pleaser that audiences connect with immediately.
Skills your students will build
- Singing and playing through rock idioms (syncopation, groove-based phrasing)
- Balancing vocal lines with instrumental accompaniment
- Maintaining tight ensemble rhythm across multiple sections
- Interpreting and delivering contemporary music with appropriate style and attitude