Listen to the Music: Choral Octavo Digital SoundPax
Words and music by Tom Johnston / arr. Kirby Shaw
Item: 00-PK-0006401
$25.00
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Description
With an infectious hook and great horn riffs, this 1972 classic peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Usually the final encore during all The Doobie Brothers' concerts, this message of hope is still relevant today.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Listen to the Music: Choral Octavo Digital SoundPax comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
SKU:
00-PK-0006401
Instrumentation:
SoundPax
More about this title
About the Composer: Tom Johnston
Tom Johnston co-founded The Doobie Brothers in 1970 and served as the band's primary songwriter and guitarist throughout their most successful period. His compositions balanced infectious pop hooks with layered vocal arrangements and horn-driven production, establishing him as a key architect of the band's signature sound. Johnston's songwriting gifts earned him multiple Grammy nominations and made The Doobie Brothers one of the defining acts of 1970s rock and pop music.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw's choral arrangement captures the irresistible groove and infectious energy of the original while keeping the writing clean and singable for mixed choirs of varying ability levels. The arrangement preserves the iconic horn riffs in instrumental parts, letting your singers focus on the melody and message rather than fighting the arrangement. This is the kind of feel-good repertoire that energizes a concert and reminds audiences why they love coming to choral performances.
What to expect
Bright, buoyant, and propulsive. The arrangement radiates optimism and momentum, built on a foundation of steady groove and layered vocal harmonies that create a wall of sound. There's a retro warmth to the production that feels both period-authentic and timeless.
Who it's for
This octavo works for high school and adult choirs seeking uplifting pop repertoire with genuine cultural currency. It's especially valuable for groups that want to program something joyful and accessible without sacrificing musical substance or contemporary relevance.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the rhythmic groove early in rehearsal; this tune lives in the pocket, so secure the pulse before adding interpretive details.
- Balance the vocal parts so the main melodic line cuts through without drowning out the harmonic support underneath.
- Layer the recorded accompaniment with your instrumental parts to get the full sonic picture, then gradually pull back the accompaniment as your singers internalize the groove.
- Keep the energy lifted and the tempo steady; the message of hope needs forward momentum to land effectively.
How to use it
Reserve this for a concert closer or spring concert finale where you need to send the audience out smiling. It pairs naturally with other 1970s pop standards or with contemporary feel-good selections. The recorded accompaniment option also makes it excellent for a pop night or variety concert where your singers need reliable backing.
Skills your students will build
- Singing steady grooves and eighth-note rhythms across multiple parts
- Balancing melody and harmony in a full choral sound
- Maintaining rhythmic precision while singing with recorded accompaniment
- Understanding and interpreting the stylistic conventions of 1970s pop vocal production