Li'l Red Riding Hood: SATB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement transforms a beloved tale into an a cappella experience that feels both playful and polished. The SATB writing sits comfortably for high school and college ensembles while maintaining the wit and charm of the original story.

The piece captures the conversational, slightly mischievous energy of a storyteller at work. You'll find yourself navigating between straightforward musicality and moments that invite wit and personality, creating an arrangement that rewards both technical precision and theatrical sensibility.

High school and college choral groups looking for accessible a cappella repertoire with narrative appeal. This works equally well for chamber choirs and larger ensembles seeking something engaging that doesn't require instrumental accompaniment.

• Balance the narrative elements with the musical ones. This isn't a recitation over chords; find where the story and the voice leading intersect and let both shine.
• Treat the SATB voicing as an opportunity for internal blend work. With ten pages to work with, you have room to develop distinct colors in each section before bringing them together.
• Consider how your ensemble's characterization choices in rehearsal will shape the listener's experience of the text. Commit to a tone early and let it inform all your musical decisions.

Pair this with other narrative or folkloric selections for a thematic concert section, or use it as a palate cleanser between heavier works. The ten-page length makes it substantial enough for a standalone feature without overcommitting rehearsal time.

• A cappella blend and intonation without instrumental reference
• Rhythmic independence within four-part counterpoint
• Narrative text interpretation in choral context
• SATB voice leading awareness and balance