I Put a Spell on You Cover Image

I Put a Spell on You: SSA Choral Octavo

$2.25 USD
$2.25 USD
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I Put a Spell on You Cover Image
I Put a Spell on You: SSA Choral Octavo

I Put a Spell on You: SSA Choral Octavo

from the motion picture Hocus Pocus

Words and music by Jay Hawkins / arr. Jacob Narverud

Item: 00-48990

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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: 038081563145
SKU: 00-48990

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Hawkins

Jay Hawkins (1929-2000) was an American rhythm and blues vocalist and pianist whose 1956 composition "I Put a Spell on You" became one of the most enduring rock and roll standards ever recorded. Originally performed as a raw, energetic blues number, the song's theatrical intensity and memorable melody have made it a canvas for countless reinterpretations across genres, from Nina Simone's haunting rendition to its iconic appearance in popular film.

Hawkins' songwriting gift lay in creating hooks that transcend their original style; "I Put a Spell on You" has been recorded by artists ranging from jazz vocalists to rock bands, proving its fundamental strength as a composition. His influence on popular music rests on this timeless standard and the raw charisma he brought to early R&B performance.

Why we love this

This arrangement taps into genuine pop culture currency without relying on novelty. The SSA voicing sits comfortably for mixed-voice choirs while the iconic melody remains instantly recognizable, and Narverud's scoring balances theatrical flair with musical substance. Your singers will feel the infectious energy of a song that's been reimagined by legends, making rehearsals genuinely fun.

What to expect

Theatrical and propulsive, with an undercurrent of playful mischief. The arrangement honors the song's swagger while the SSA voices bring clarity and brightness to Hawkins' original blues-based melody, creating a performance that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Who it's for

Intermediate to advanced SSA choirs looking for contemporary material that bridges pop and choral artistry. Directors seeking repertoire with built-in audience appeal for fall concerts, pops programs, or special events will find this particularly useful; the Hocus Pocus connection alone gives your marketing angle.

How to get the most out of it

  • Layer the choreography deliberately: the spell-casting conceit invites physical storytelling, but keep ensemble focus sharp so the vocal line never gets buried.
  • Emphasize the rhythmic drive in the accompaniment parts (SoundTrax instrumentation adds real groove); your singers should feel the pocket rather than fight against it.
  • Explore dynamic contrast between verses and the refrain; Bette Midler's version succeeds partly through restraint before explosive moments, and that same principle serves the choral setting.
  • Use the PartTrax part-predominant mixes strategically during early rehearsals to lock individual voice parts, then build blend during full-ensemble runs.

How to use it

Position this in an October concert as a statement piece or anchor an entire pops program around it. The 16-page octavo and available instrumental parts (SoundTrax and SoundPax) make it flexible enough to work as a standalone showcase or as part of a themed set; the Hocus Pocus cultural moment means your audience will arrive already emotionally invested.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop styles
  • Balancing theatrical expression with choral blend
  • Singing with recorded accompaniment (groove-based timing)
  • Dynamic shaping across phrase arcs
  • SSA ensemble balance and voice independence

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