In My Life (arr. Hazel Hannam): SSAB Choral Octavo

Hazel Hannam's arrangement respects the song's intimate emotional core while giving it genuine choral texture. The SSAB voicing works beautifully for mixed ensembles without requiring extensive range, and the arrangement sits comfortably for singers who are more familiar with classical literature than pop repertoire.

Wistful and contemplative, with moments of quiet joy. The song carries a gentle nostalgia, inviting the listener into a personal space where memory and gratitude live. Hannam's arrangement preserves this intimacy while letting the voices breathe together.

Choirs seeking contemporary music that has real staying power and emotional maturity. This works equally well for secular concert programs, weddings, and graduation celebrations where you need something that speaks to the audience without feeling generic.

• Balance the vulnerability of the lyrical content with clear, supported tone. This song lives in reflection, not projection.
• Pay attention to the harmonic movement in the accompaniment. Even if recorded backing is used, singers should understand how their lines relate to those chord changes.
• Treat the dynamics with precision. The contrast between softer verses and fuller moments will feel earned rather than automatic.

Pair this with other songs from the 1960s to frame a concert around that era's influence on modern music. It also serves as a powerful closer for programs focused on relationships, milestones, or reflective themes. The seven pages make it manageable for choirs building confidence with pop repertoire.

• Singing pop/rock repertoire with classical technique
• Navigating contemporary harmonic language
• Balancing blend across non-traditional voicing combinations (SSA/SSAA)
• Interpreting lyrics with emotional authenticity rather than dramatic excess