It's Raining Men: SSA Choral Octavo

Greg Gilpin's arrangement captures the infectious energy and call-and-response spirit of the original while keeping the vocal writing accessible and fun for SSA ensembles. The piece strikes that rare balance between being genuinely entertaining for an audience and genuinely enjoyable for singers to perform. A well-rehearsed rendition of this becomes an instant crowd-pleaser that energizes a concert and reminds us why pop music belongs in the choral repertoire.

Pure disco joy. The arrangement glitters with energy from the opening, drawing on the irresistible bass line, the propulsive rhythm, and those instantly recognizable melodic hooks. Your singers will feel the swagger of a hit record, complete with the novelty and humor that made the original such a phenomenon.

SSA ensembles in high school, community, and show choirs looking to add a certified crowd-pleaser to their concert lineup. This works equally well for middle school groups ready to tackle a popular song with rhythmic maturity and style. Directors seeking repertoire that connects with audiences and singers alike will find this delivers on both counts.

• Keep the groove locked with crisp, precise rhythm sections. Disco thrives on the steady pulse of the hi-hat and kick drum; make sure your singers feel and respect that lock.
• Shape the call-and-response sections with contrast in dynamics and tone. Let the 'rain men' refrain feel like a genuine answer, not just an echo.
• Layer in the personality of the original recording. The Weather Girls delivered this with sass and confidence; encourage your singers to bring that same attitude.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish and reinforce the groove during rehearsals, especially early on when the ensemble is learning the rhythmic profile.

Program this as a set-opener or finale to inject immediate momentum and enthusiasm into a concert, especially when surrounding it with more formal or classical selections. It works brilliantly on show choir competitions and entertainment-focused concert programs where variety and audience engagement matter. Consider pairing it with other novelty or pop arrangements to create a program section that celebrates the full spectrum of choral music.

• Rhythmic precision and groove maintenance in disco style (steady pulse, syncopation, and locked ensemble timing)
• Call-and-response singing with clear section delineation and contrast
• Stylistic interpretation of pop and novelty music (attitude, phrasing, and character)
• Blend and balance in SSA voicing with three independent parts