It Must Be Love (arr. Hazel Hannam): SSAB Choral Octavo

Hazel Hannam's SSAB arrangement captures the infectious joy of this beloved tune while making it genuinely singable for a range of choir levels. The voicing gives every section meaningful material rather than relegating anyone to padding, and the pop idiom keeps energy high without requiring classical technique as the entry point.

Bright, buoyant, and thoroughly modern. The arrangement carries the warmth and humor of the original while giving singers a song that feels fresh and expressive in their own voices, not like a cover of someone else's iconic recording.

This arrangement works for middle school through adult choirs seeking contemporary material with real charm and accessibility. Directors building a pop or secular repertoire will appreciate the straightforward voicing and the song's instant recognition factor with audiences.

• Keep the rhythm section locked and bouncy; this song lives in its groove, so articulate consonants crisply and lean slightly forward rhythmically without dragging.
• Balance the alto and bass parts carefully in rehearsal, as they anchor the harmonic color. Isolate those lines early so they sit confidently under the soprano layers.
• Lean into the playfulness. A little lift and lightness in the upper voices prevents the arrangement from feeling heavy, even in fuller passages.
• Pay attention to any divisi moments in the soprano or alto sections; make sure each group hears and locks with the other so the blend feels intentional rather than accidental.

Consider pairing this with other pop arrangements to create an upbeat set, or use it as a standalone crowd pleaser at community events and pops concerts. Its genuine joy makes it ideal for spring programs or any moment when you want to send an audience home smiling.

• Reading and singing in SSAB voicing
• Rhythmic precision in pop and rock idioms
• Part independence with active lower voice writing
• Shaping phrases with contemporary musical language