I Put a Spell on You Cover Image

I Put a Spell on You: SAB Choral Octavo

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I Put a Spell on You Cover Image

I Put a Spell on You: SAB Choral Octavo

from the motion picture Hocus Pocus

Words and music by Jay Hawkins / arr. Jacob Narverud

Item: 00-48989

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Description
This bewitching bit of '90s nostalgia will charm your audience in October or on any pops program. Originally written by "Screamin'" Jay Hawkins in 1956, this song is included on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. And who can forget Bette Midler's show-stopping rendition in the cult classic film Hocus Pocus? Conjure up some costumes and choreography to brew a spellbinding performance. Don't miss the incredible SoundTrax and SoundPax instrumentation. Download PartTrax MP3s for all the audio you need to rehearse and perform the SATB and SSA voicings. Each PartTrax package includes full performance, accompaniment only, and part-predominant mixes for every voice part.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
UPC: 038081563138
SKU: 00-48989

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Hawkins

Jay Hawkins (1929–2005) was an American R&B singer, pianist, and songwriter who earned his stage name "Screamin'" Jay Hawkins through his raw, uninhibited vocal delivery and theatrical live performances. Working across rock, R&B, and blues throughout the 1950s and beyond, Hawkins became a pioneer of performance spectacle in popular music, influencing generations of artists to embrace costume, choreography, and drama as integral parts of their act. His 1956 composition "I Put a Spell on You" remains one of the most enduring songs in American popular music, appearing on Rolling Stone's definitive list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the theatrical energy and infectious groove that made the original a standard, while keeping the three-part voicing accessible for mixed ensembles across ability levels. The inclusion of recorded accompaniments and instrumental parts transforms what could be a novelty number into a fully realized production opportunity; your students get the thrill of performing a legitimately famous song without sacrificing musical substance. Programming it creates an instant visual and aural hook for your audience, especially in October programming, but the song's pacing and swagger belong on any pops concert where you want genuine excitement.

What to expect

Playfully sinister and irresistibly groovy. The arrangement captures the original's swagger and theatrical menace while keeping the energy light enough for audiences to enjoy the humor and spectacle. It swings with confidence, building from whispered mystery to full-throttle charm.

Who it's for

Directors programming pops concerts, fall or Halloween-themed shows, or any program that needs a crowd-pleasing showstopper with genuine musical credibility. This works for middle school through community and adult choirs; the part writing accommodates developing singers while remaining engaging for more experienced ensembles.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lean into the rhythmic precision of the accompaniment track; the groove depends on the choir locking the pulse with the recorded rhythm section rather than drifting. Have your sections rehearse against the PartTrax tracks during sectional rehearsals so they're comfortable with the groove before the first tutti rehearsal.
  • Shape the dynamic arc through the verses; resist the urge to belt from the beginning. Build energy gradually so the chorus lands with real impact and the final sections feel genuinely climactic.
  • Emphasize clarity of articulation on consonants, especially on "put" and "spell." This song rides on rhythmic precision and rhythmic clarity, and muddy attacks will kill the infectiousness.
  • Consider assigning the main melody strategically across your stronger singers rather than doubling it uniformly; this arrangement's three-part texture deserves some light, space, and variation in tone color.

How to use it

Perfect as an opener or closer on a pops or novelty-themed concert; the song's fame and fun factor make it an ideal anchor for a Halloween program or fall concert. Consider pairing it with other accessible pop repertoire to create a full set that holds audience attention through extended costume or choreography elements. It also works exceptionally well as a show finale when you want to leave the audience smiling and humming on their way out.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic precision and groove awareness in contemporary idioms
  • Part independence within three-part mixed voicing
  • Singing in character and connecting choreography to musical intent
  • Balancing harmonic blend across separated voice parts
  • Flexible intonation and dynamics in pop and rock styles

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