I've Gotta Be Me: Choral SoundPax

Larry Shackley's arrangement captures the song's swagger while keeping it singable for high school and collegiate choirs. The time signature shift from 6/8 to the energetic ending gives you a built-in dramatic arc that audiences recognize, and the SoundPax format makes rehearsal flexible without sacrificing the contemporary feel that keeps students engaged.

The piece opens with the warmth and sophistication of classic vocal tradition, then pivots into something brighter and more assertive. There's confidence in the melody and an honesty in the lyrics that makes singers invest personally, giving performances an authenticity that audiences feel.

High school and collegiate choirs looking for a song with genuine star power and contemporary credibility. This works for groups with solid fundamentals who can handle the style shift and want repertoire that resonates with modern singers.

• Anchor the 6/8 section with a secure pulse from your rhythm section; the lilting feel depends on clarity, not rushing.
• Bring out the textural contrast when you transition into the hot ending; this shift should feel earned and celebratory, not abrupt.
• Balance soloists carefully against the choir in passages where parts overlap; the recorded accompaniment will help establish the right dynamic relationships during initial rehearsals.

Program this as a centerpiece for a contemporary or popular music concert, or use it to anchor a set about self-determination and identity. The recognizable melody gives audiences an immediate entry point, while the arrangement's sophistication shows off your choir's musicianship.

• Singing in compound time (6/8) with rhythmic precision
• Navigating meter and style changes within a single piece
• Interpreting jazz-influenced phrasing and articulation
• Balancing solo and ensemble texture