Kids!: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Alan Billingsley has crafted an arrangement that captures the infectious energy of this Broadway number while keeping the vocal writing accessible for developing singers. The 2-part voicing opens this famous tune to younger or smaller ensembles without sacrificing the character that makes it such a joy to perform. Audiences recognize it immediately, and your students will feel the satisfaction of bringing a genuine Broadway moment to the concert stage.

Bright and buoyant, with the theatrical charm that made the original so infectious. Singing this number generates immediate energy in the rehearsal room; there is a built-in momentum that carries singers and audiences forward together. The melody sits naturally in the voice, and the arrangement invites playfulness without requiring extensive dramatic training.

This arrangement serves choirs at the middle school, high school, or community level looking for engaging, recognizable repertoire that builds confidence. It works equally well for groups seeking a strong concert opener or a pops-style selection that connects with diverse audiences. The 2-part voicing makes it accessible without sacrificing the musical satisfaction of singing a real Broadway arrangement.

• Anchor the rhythmic drive in your accompaniment; this arrangement thrives on crisp, energetic accompaniment that keeps singers locked into the groove.
• Shape the phrasing to mirror speech patterns in the lyric, letting the natural word stress guide your singers' inflection rather than imposing rigid legit technique.
• Emphasize the contrast between unison and divisi sections; use these textural shifts to propel the arrangement forward and maintain listener interest across the 11 pages.
• Encourage your singers to commit emotionally to the character and story of the text. Broadway material rewards genuine expression over polished perfection.

Reserve this for a moment in your concert when you want to shift the energy and remind your audience why they love live music. It pairs well after a more serious choral work, offering relief and genuine entertainment. Consider programming it as part of a Broadway or 20th century American music set, or use it as a season opener that establishes a welcoming, approachable tone for your ensemble.

• Reading and executing 2-part voicing with clear part independence
• Interpreting theatrical style and character through vocal delivery
• Maintaining rhythmic precision and ensemble cohesion in syncopated material
• Balancing melodic line awareness with accompaniment interaction
• Responding to dynamic and textural changes within a compact arrangement