I Want It That Way (arr. Nathan Howe) Sheet Music Preview

I Want It That Way (arr. Nathan Howe): SATB Choral Octavo

As performed by Backstreet Boys / Arranged by Nathan Howe

Item: 35-DS00507099

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 14
SKU: 35-DS00507099

More about this title

About the Artist: Backstreet Boys

The Backstreet Boys emerged as one of the defining pop acts of the 1990s, bringing polished vocal harmony and infectious melodies to a global audience. Their catalog demonstrates sophisticated pop songwriting that translates remarkably well to choral settings, offering contemporary material that resonates with student singers while maintaining genuine musical substance.

As a group, their influence on modern pop vocal production and arrangement has shaped how singers approach blend, intonation, and rhythmic precision. For choral programs, their songs provide an accessible entry point into contemporary music while rewarding careful attention to harmonic detail and expressive phrasing.

Why we love this

Nathan Howe's arrangement captures the emotional core of this 1999 hit while creating genuine four-part writing that doesn't feel forced or overly simplified. Students immediately connect to repertoire they know from streaming and radio, but the SATB setting allows you to build real harmonic awareness and blend work in a piece that holds their attention for the full rehearsal.

What to expect

Earnest and direct, with the kind of emotional accessibility that draws listeners in immediately. The arrangement sits comfortably in the voices while maintaining the yearning quality that made the original so memorable.

Who it's for

Choirs seeking contemporary material that builds genuine harmonic skills without relying on unison singing or oversimplified textures. This works equally well for high school ensembles, community choirs, and college groups looking to program something current with musical substance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the chorus with a clear dynamic arc. The hook is memorable, but it lands harder when your singers lift into it rather than sustain the same volume throughout.
  • Lock the vowel sounds across all four parts during the sustained syllables. This music lives or dies on blend, and unified vowels matter more than perfect intonation in moments like these.
  • Think through the transitions between verse and chorus. A brief breath or dynamic lift can reset the listener's ear and make each return feel fresh rather than repetitive.

How to use it

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to build a coherent set, or use it as an accessible bridge between traditional repertoire and newer music in a concert that spans multiple styles. The familiar melody makes it an excellent choice for audience engagement while you're building your singers' sight-reading confidence with unfamiliar harmonic contexts.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing independent harmonic lines in a pop context
  • Balancing blend and precision across four parts
  • Shaping phrase contours with dynamic control
  • Maintaining stylistic authenticity in contemporary arrangements

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