I Want to Be Happy: 2-Part Choral Octavo

This arrangement captures everything that made the original a smash: an irresistible opening statement, a clever countermelody that sits naturally in a second part, and built-in contrast through the verse section. Sally K. Albrecht's scoring keeps the charm intact while giving singers genuine musical material to work with, and the included choreography suggestions turn rehearsal into something your singers will actually want to do.

Pure joy. The melody bounces along with an almost irresistible optimism, and the counterline adds playfulness without ever feeling precious. When the two parts sing together, the sound blooms naturally; the verse gives singers a chance to breathe and connect emotionally before the brightness returns.

Middle school and high school choirs looking for repertoire that's genuinely fun to sing and program. The 2-part voicing keeps it accessible while the quality of the material ensures it's not simplistic.

• Keep the opening melody bright and clear; let the entire group own it before the counterline enters. Sing with legit tone, not a pop belt, even though this is a Broadway tune.
• Balance the counterline carefully once both parts are singing. It should enhance without overwhelming the main melody.
• Make the slower verse section a genuine shift in mood and tempo. If using soloists, give them space and let the ensemble support warmly behind them.
• Integrate the choreography suggestions from the start of rehearsal so movement and singing develop together rather than being bolted on at the end.

Place this in a pops or Broadway-themed concert where its effervescence will land perfectly. It also works well as a lighter closer to a longer concert program, especially if you pair it with other standards from the same era. The optional solo sections give featured singers a moment without requiring a complete set of solo-capable voices.

• Two-part independence and blend while maintaining melodic clarity
• Handling countermelodies that move against a primary tune
• Coordinating ensemble singing with choreography
• Stylistic singing of early 20th-century American popular song
• Navigating tempo and mood changes within a single piece