Listen to the Music (arr. Hans Kaldeway): SSAA Choral Octavo

Hans Kaldeway has created an arrangement that captures the warmth and sophistication of the original without sacrificing the groove that makes this song memorable. The SSAA voicing distributes the material thoughtfully, giving singers at every range substantial musical work rather than simply padding out harmonies. Choirs looking for contemporary repertoire with real substance will find this arrangement strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and genuine musicality.

Groovy and soulful, with the kind of easy confidence that comes from a song built on solid musicianship. The arrangement invites performers to feel the rhythm in their bodies while maintaining the harmonic richness that distinguishes this era of rock and pop composition.

Any SSAA or SSA choir seeking contemporary material that audiences know and love. This works equally well for high school choirs, college ensembles, community groups, and adult singers who want to expand beyond traditional choral repertoire.

• Anchor the rhythmic foundation in the accompaniment; student singers often lose the pocket by rushing or dragging against what may feel like a simple bass line.
• Shape the melody line with the same care you'd give a ballad, even though the groove invites a laid-back feel. Phrasing and breath placement prevent it from sounding mechanical.
• Lock the soprano and alto sections on their countermelodies early in rehearsal. Kaldeway's arrangement likely layers interesting supporting lines that need clarity and independence.
• Balance the ensemble voicing so that no single part overwhelms; these kinds of arrangements can blur together if the blend isn't intentional and controlled.

Pair this with other Kaldeway pop arrangements to create a contemporary set that feels cohesive and director-curated. It works especially well in spring concerts or pops programs where you want to showcase your singers' versatility and connect with audiences through repertoire they actually listen to.

• Balancing independent melodic lines against a strong rhythmic groove
• Maintaining stylistic authenticity in contemporary pop arrangements
• Reading and executing layered vocal textures across SSAA scoring
• Connecting to material through active listening and familiarity with recorded versions