If I Were A Fish (arr. Roger Emerson): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Playful and imaginative, this arrangement invites singers into a whimsical world where a simple "what if" question opens into musical storytelling. The folk melody carries a conversational ease, creating moments of humor and wonder that feel genuine rather than forced.

Choirs looking to add a refreshing novelty piece that works equally well in concert programs, community events, or informal performances. The accessible 3-part voicing makes it suitable for middle school through adult choirs with mixed ability levels.

• Shape the melodic phrases to follow the storytelling arc rather than breathing at every barline. Let the narrative voice guide your phrasing.
• Establish clear vowel unity in the three-part texture, especially where parts move independently. Unified vowels will make the ensemble blend sound intentional rather than scattered.
• Find the rhythmic precision early in rehearsal so that by performance, the ensemble can focus entirely on bringing personality and character to the lyrics.

Place this midway through a concert to reset the mood after heavier works, or use it as a closing number to send the audience out smiling. Its brevity and novelty character make it ideal for community sing events, end-of-year celebrations, or mixed program contexts where you want to balance serious repertoire with pieces that showcase your ensemble's ability to perform with joy.

• Independent part-singing in a three-part texture
• Narrative expression and character work in ensemble contexts
• Sustained legit vocal production across accessible ranges
• Text clarity and diction in folk-style material