In My Blood (arr. Jacob Narverud): SATB Choral Octavo

Narverud's arrangement captures the propulsive energy of the original while giving each voice section meaningful material. Pop arrangements at this level often shortchange lower voices, but this one builds genuine harmonic interest that keeps all four parts engaged from start to finish.

Visceral and driving, with an undercurrent of vulnerability. The arrangement preserves the introspective quality of the lyric while maintaining the modern, kinetic sound that makes the song resonate with younger singers.

Choirs looking for contemporary repertoire that commands genuine engagement from all four voice parts without resorting to gimmicks. The 17-page score suggests thoughtful development rather than a simple padding of the original; this works for programs that want pop music taken seriously.

• Keep the rhythmic drive consistent even during softer passages. This song's momentum is its backbone, and losing pulse for the sake of dynamics reads as hesitation rather than control.
• Balance the exposed melody lines so they sit forward without overpowering the harmonic foundation beneath them. Blend matters as much as projection here.
• Shape phrases across the bar lines rather than punctuating every downbeat. This arrangement rewards singers who think in longer musical sentences.

This works especially well in a contemporary or spring concert where you want a moment of stylistic variety that still showcases vocal sophistication. Pairing it with a traditional spiritual or art song demonstrates range and programs you as a director who trusts your singers' abilities across genre lines.

• Singing in a contemporary idiom without losing vocal precision
• Maintaining rhythmic accuracy in syncopated passages
• Balancing independent voice lines within a dense harmonic texture
• Shaping long melodic phrases across multiple measures
• Blending individual personality with ensemble cohesion