Let's Hear It For The Boy (from Footloose) (arr. Alan Billingsley): SSA Choral Octavo

Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures all the irresistible lift of the original without requiring a massive ensemble. The SSA voicing keeps the piece accessible while giving singers genuine musical moments to shine, and the pop idiom speaks directly to student interest in contemporary material.

Pure celebration in musical form. The arrangement radiates optimism and movement, with the kind of infectious groove that makes singers want to move and audiences want to smile. It's the choral equivalent of opening a window on a perfect day.

Any choir looking to program accessible, high-energy pop material that engages both singers and audiences. This works especially well for groups confident enough to commit to contemporary idioms without apology, and for directors seeking pieces that build ensemble energy and joy.

• Anchor the rhythmic vitality in the rhythm section. The groove matters as much as the melody, so lock in the pulse early in rehearsal.
• Shape the bright vowels on high passages without losing the conversational warmth that makes this song relatable. Think 'singing to a friend,' not performing from a concert stage.
• Build momentum through the second half. This arrangement likely follows the original's arc toward an energized conclusion, so resist the urge to plateau midway.
• Lean into the pop phrasing conventions. Slight rhythmic pushes and relaxations will feel more authentic than metronomic precision.

Pair this with other feel-good repertoire for a concert section that shifts the emotional tone, or use it as an opener to establish energy and connection with your audience from the first moments. It also works beautifully as part of a film music or pop music thematic program, and provides a natural palate cleanser between heavier classical works.

• Singing in contemporary pop idioms with authentic phrasing and rhythmic inflection
• Balancing blend and clarity in SSA voicing while maintaining individual part independence
• Maintaining groove and pulse awareness in a rhythmically driven arrangement
• Connecting emotionally to material drawn from film and popular culture