Jump: SSA Choral Octavo
Recorded by Aretha Franklin
Words and music by Curtis Mayfield / arr. Alan Billingsley
Item: 00-PO-0001712
$1.90
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
This hot Aretha Franklin hit was first heard in the 1976 film Sparkle, and featured again in the recent remake starring Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0001712
More about this title
About the Composer: Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield stands as one of soul and funk music's most influential songwriters and producers. His work with The Impressions and as a solo artist shaped the sound of 1970s popular music, blending social consciousness with irresistible grooves that made his songs accessible to mainstream audiences while maintaining artistic integrity.
Mayfield's gift for crafting memorable melodies paired with sophisticated arrangements made him a natural fit for film work. His contributions to Sparkle and other soundtracks demonstrate how effectively popular song can serve storytelling, a quality that makes his compositions particularly rewarding for choral arrangers.
Why we love this
Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures the infectious energy of this Aretha Franklin staple while making it genuinely singable for SSA ensembles. The orchestration respects the soul and funk foundation of the original without requiring a full rhythm section, and the part-writing gives every voice meaningful material across a manageable 12-page score.
What to expect
This arrangement radiates confidence and joy. It captures the swagger and momentum of the original hit, with vocal lines that sit naturally in the female choral range while maintaining the rhythmic sass and melodic clarity that made "Jump" an instant classic. You can feel the full-bodied soul energy in the harmonies and rhythmic interplay between parts.
Who it's for
Treble choirs in grades 7-12 or college programs looking for contemporary popular repertoire that genuinely excites singers. The SSA voicing makes it accessible for younger or less experienced ensembles while remaining engaging for advanced groups who appreciate the funk and soul styling.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the groove locked in. The rhythmic precision of the original matters as much as the melody; work the ensemble's sense of pocket before polishing pitch.
- Honor the soul phrasing built into Billingsley's arrangement. Straight, clipped articulation will flatten the style; lean into the natural swing and breath placement that makes this music breathe.
- Balance the sections carefully. In contemporary arrangements like this, sopranos and altos often carry equal weight rather than traditional soprano dominance. Test your mix frequently.
- Use the recorded accompaniment strategically. Run full rehearsals without it to build independence, then add it back to refine blend and timing against the original sound.
How to use it
Pair this with other uplifting contemporary pop arrangements for a concert section that showcases modern repertoire and engages student singers who grew up hearing these songs. It also works as a strong finale for a mixed program, bringing familiar warmth to an audience while celebrating the musical legacy of soul and funk.
Skills your students will build
- Funk and soul rhythmic phrasing and articulation
- Singing in popular music style with authentic groove
- Part independence in contemporary harmonic contexts
- Listening and blending with recorded accompaniment
- Understanding call-and-response and rhythmic interplay between voice parts