Living in America Cover Image

Living in America: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

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Living in America Cover Image

Living in America: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

From the Motion Picture Rocky IV

Words and music by Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight / arr. Eric Van Cleave

Item: 00-43455

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Description
While many will remember this as the James Brown song played as Apollo Creed enters the boxing ring in Rocky IV, it was also a top five, Grammy-winning pop hit in the U.S. Perfect for choreography, this arrangement includes a short dance break.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
UPC: 038081489957
SKU: 00-43455

More about this title

About the Composer: Dan Hartman

Dan Hartman built his career as a songwriter and producer at the intersection of funk, soul, and pop music. His work across the 1970s and 1980s earned him Grammy recognition and chart success, including this track co-written with Charlie Midnight that became a cultural touchstone through film and radio.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the infectious swagger of the original while giving choirs room to move and perform with style. The built-in choreography break makes it genuinely fun to stage, and the recorded accompaniment keeps the groove tight while your singers focus on delivery and movement.

What to expect

Confident and propulsive, with the kind of forward momentum that makes audiences sit up and pay attention. The pop production DNA shines through: clean rhythmic precision, singable melodic lines, and a built-in groove that invites the performers to own the stage.

Who it's for

This arrangement works for high school and community choirs seeking contemporary pop repertoire with energy and entertainment value. Directors building concert programs that blend accessible hits with solid musicianship will find this delivers on both counts.

How to get the most out of it

  • Nail the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsals. The syncopated figures will sit solidly once your choir feels the underlying beat rather than fighting against it.
  • Use the dance break as a full-ensemble moment. Even singers without choreography background respond well to spoken rhythm patterns or body percussion during this section.
  • Shape dynamics around the hook lines. Let those moments breathe and land with confidence; they're the most memorable parts of the arrangement.
  • Balance the recorded accompaniment so it locks with your choir's tempo without overshadowing the voices. Start with the track at a moderate level and adjust based on ensemble size.

How to use it

Include this in a pop or secular-themed concert, or use it as an opener to establish an upbeat, contemporary tone for your program. The recognizable melody draws immediate engagement from audiences, making it an excellent choice for community events or spring performances where you want immediate connection.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop idioms
  • Blend and balance in a funk-influenced harmonic context
  • Coordinating singing with choreography and movement
  • Confidence performing confident, contemporary material

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