Light: SATB Choral Octavo
From Next to Normal
Lyrics by Brian Yorkey, music by Tom Kitt / arr. Lisa DeSpain
Item: 00-PO-0005699
$2.10
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
This moving ballad from the groundbreaking musical Next to Normal is perfect as that show-stopping moment in any concert. Strong lyrics and soaring vocals make this a real powerhouse!
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0005699
More about this title
About the Composer: Tom Kitt
Tom Kitt is a Tony Award-winning composer and orchestrator whose work spans Broadway, film, and television. He is best known for Next to Normal, the groundbreaking musical that earned him the Tony Award for Best Original Score in 2009, establishing him as a leading voice in contemporary musical theater. His compositions blend rock, pop, and orchestral idioms with emotional depth and harmonic sophistication, making his work compelling for both professional and student performers.
Beyond the stage, Kitt has composed for television, film, and concert settings. His approach to songwriting emphasizes character-driven narratives and singable melodies that resonate with diverse audiences. His presence in music education materials reflects the growing recognition of contemporary Broadway as a vital part of choral and theatrical training.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the emotional core of Next to Normal without requiring students to navigate the full theatrical context. The music itself carries the power; Kitt's melodic writing and DeSpain's voicing create a moment that feels earned rather than manufactured, giving your group a contemporary piece with genuine dramatic weight. Programming a song this honest and direct proves to your audience that your choir can handle real artistry.
What to expect
A moment of vulnerability and hope held together by soaring vocal lines. The arrangement builds quietly at first, letting introspection settle before opening into broader, more confident voicing. It carries the intimacy of a ballad but with the structural confidence of a song written for a stage that demands power.
Who it's for
Choirs working with grades 9-12 and adult singers ready for contemporary Broadway material with emotional sophistication. This octavo suits ensembles comfortable with layered harmonies and looking to expand beyond traditional choral repertoire into pieces that feel current and relevant to student performers.
How to get the most out of it
- Treat the harmonic shifts as emotional turning points rather than technical challenges. When the progression moves, let the singers feel that movement as part of the storytelling.
- Balance the soprano line without letting it dominate. This octavo works best when all four voices share the melodic responsibility, even when the top line carries the primary tune.
- If using the recorded accompaniment, establish tempo in rehearsal without the track first. Your ensemble needs ownership of the pacing before adding external support.
- Pay attention to the text underlay in measures where voices diverge. Clarity of lyrics becomes crucial when harmonies become complex.
How to use it
Reserve this for a concert program that can accommodate a stylistic shift toward contemporary musical theater. Pair it with other pieces that allow singers to explore modern songwriting, or use it as a bridge moment that shows your audience your ensemble's range. The 16-page score makes it substantial enough to anchor a set without overwhelming your rehearsal calendar.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing individual voice lines within complex four-part harmony
- Singing contemporary Broadway music with dramatic intention
- Text clarity and emotional delivery in secular choral writing
- Navigating harmonic progressions specific to modern musical theater idiom