Ironic (arr. Jo Annemans): SMAA Choral Octavo

Jo Annemans crafts this arrangement with real care for the SMAA voicing, creating parts that sit naturally across all sections while preserving the song's biting wit and rhythmic momentum. The 14-page score gives singers room to dig into the text without overcomplicating the harmonic foundation. Students gravitate immediately toward material this contemporary and this vocally engaging.

Sardonic and sharp, yet deeply human. The arrangement captures the song's signature blend of clever observation and underlying vulnerability, moving with the conversational ease of spoken word while maintaining harmonic sophistication underneath. There's a satisfying edge to this setting that keeps it from feeling saccharine or dated.

Directors looking for contemporary pop material with real substance for secular choirs, especially groups with mixed-gender voicing. This arrangement works well in concert settings where you want to connect with audiences through familiar, meaningful repertoire that also develops serious musical skills.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the verses. These lines move with conversational speech patterns, and clarity in articulation will make the sarcasm land.
• Balance the alto line carefully during unison sections. Altos often get buried here; they need to stay present without oversinging.
• Shape the phrases dynamically rather than keeping a static volume throughout. The song's power comes from momentum and contrast, not from one steady dynamic level.
• Work the recorded accompaniment early so singers internalize where they sit harmonically. A cappella singing demands absolute pitch security from every section.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to build a concert theme around modern storytelling and social commentary. It works as a standout solo number in a mixed program, or as part of a set that explores how popular music addresses real human experience. The length and accessibility make it suitable for mid-year or spring concert programming when students have solid ensemble skills in place.

• Rhythmic independence within a cappella context
• Conversational phrasing and lyrical storytelling through music
• Balancing vocal lines in mixed-gender SMAA voicing
• Maintaining pitch accuracy without instrumental support
• Ensemble blend while preserving individual vocal color