I'm Still Standing (arr. Wendy Sergeant): SATB Choral Octavo

Wendy Sergeant's arrangement captures the defiant energy of this anthem without losing the melodic clarity that makes it so singable. The SATB voicing distributes the melody thoughtfully across the sections, giving every singer a moment in the spotlight rather than burying the tune in harmony. Choirs find genuine satisfaction in tackling a song this recognizable, and audiences respond immediately to material they already love.

You hear the famous piano hook in your head the moment rehearsal begins, but the SATB texture gives it fresh dimension. There's a celebratory defiance running through every phrase, the kind of determined joy that builds as voices layer together toward the climax.

This arrangement serves choirs looking to expand beyond traditional concert fare while maintaining musical substance. It works equally well for middle school groups seeking confidence builders and high school choirs wanting accessible pop repertoire that still demands clean voice leading and rhythmic precision.

• Establish the rhythmic groove early in rehearsal by having the ensemble lock into the backbeat; this isn't a legit ballad, and it needs forward motion from measure one.
• Balance the lower voices carefully when they carry harmonic material underneath the melody, ensuring they support without overshadowing the lead line.
• Shape the final chorus by gradually building dynamic intensity through the sections; let the energy accumulate rather than arriving full strength.

Consider this for a contemporary pops concert or a spring show where you want accessible, high-energy material that engages both performers and audiences. It also serves well as a rehearsal confidence builder midyear, giving singers immediate success with a familiar tune before tackling more complex repertoire.

• Balancing melody and harmony in a contemporary pop idiom
• Maintaining rhythmic stability in a backbeat-driven arrangement
• Building dynamic contrast across multiple chorus statements
• Blending four-part voicing with homophonic texture