Listen to the Music: SATB Choral Octavo

Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original while making it singable for SATB ensembles without compromising the rock feel that makes this song irresistible. The piece works equally well as an opener or closer, giving directors real flexibility in programming. Audiences respond immediately to a song they know, and this arrangement delivers the groove they expect.

Sunny and propulsive, with the laid-back confidence of 1970s rock. The arrangement keeps the song's essential groove while giving your voices room to shine; it feels fresh rather than nostalgic, energetic without being frantic.

Choirs seeking a contemporary-sounding piece with genuine audience appeal and crossover energy. This works for concert choirs, show choirs, community ensembles, and any group comfortable with a relaxed, rhythmic style.

• Keep the rhythm section locked in tight. The pocket is what makes this arrangement swing, so your basses and rhythm section need to commit fully to the groove.
• Shape the melody lines with confidence but resist over-singing. This is a pop song, not a ballad; clarity and energy matter more than lyrical expression.
• Use the recorded accompaniment in rehearsal to lock in the feel, then gradually pull it back as your singers internalize the rhythmic foundation.
• Balance the parts so the melody cuts through without drowning the harmonic support. The top line should lead, but not isolate.

Program this as a concert opener to grab immediate attention, or as a closer to send the audience out on a high-energy note. It pairs naturally with other pop standards or can anchor a themed program around classic rock hits.

• Singing rhythmically syncopated lines while maintaining phrase integrity
• Blending pop/rock vocal production with ensemble balance
• Locking into a steady groove with rhythmic precision
• Part independence in a homophonic texture with active accompaniment figures