It's Still Rock And Roll To Me: TTBB Choral Octavo

Paul Langford's setting captures the infectious energy of Joel's original while creating genuine four part writing that sits comfortably for male voices. The arrangement maintains the song's instantly recognizable character without oversimplifying, giving singers a part that feels substantial rather than decorative.

There's an undeniable swagger to this arrangement. It captures the defiant good humor of the original, that sense of someone defending their musical tastes with good natured conviction. The four part writing creates warmth and depth while maintaining the contemporary, accessible character that makes the song work.

Male choral ensembles working at intermediate to advanced levels will find this arrangement both musically satisfying and practical. Directors seeking contemporary material that connects with students while offering real musical substance will appreciate what Langford has created here.

• Keep the rhythmic drive propulsive throughout. This song thrives on forward momentum, so resist the urge to settle into a groove that becomes sluggish.
• Balance the melodic line with harmonic support. The tenors will naturally pull focus, but the lower voices anchor the sound and need clarity.
• Shape the phrase endings with purpose. Rather than letting phrases simply end, carry the energy forward to create cohesion across sections.
• Articulate the text crisply, especially on consonants. The conversational quality of Joel's lyrics requires singers to deliver words with conversational naturalness while maintaining ensemble precision.

This works beautifully as a concert closer for a pop or contemporary music set, providing a high energy finish that audiences recognize immediately. It also functions well in a mixed program as a tonal and stylistic contrast to more traditional choral fare, signaling to audiences that your ensemble commands multiple musical languages.

• Balancing melodic and harmonic roles within a four part ensemble
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in rock and pop idioms
• Shaping contemporary text with clarity and intention
• Reading accessible but genuine four part vocal writing
• Sustaining energy and ensemble cohesion across a full length popular song