Magic to Do (from Pippin): SATB Choral Octavo

Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures everything that made "Magic to Do" a theater standout while reimagining it for choir. The writing feels contemporary without losing the song's infectious spirit, and the 12-page score gives you room to build ensemble energy, layer harmonies, and really play with the text. Your singers will recognize the tune immediately, which means they can focus on precision and joy rather than learning an unfamiliar melody.

Optimistic and propulsive. The song radiates possibility and magic, moving at a steady clip with rhythmic momentum that keeps singers and listeners engaged. There's lightness in the harmony and a sense of forward motion that makes rehearsals feel productive rather than grinding.

This arrangement works for choirs with solid blend and basic independence in all four parts. Whether you're programming a pop-music concert, a high school musical showcase, or a community chorus performance that needs contemporary energy, this hits that sweet spot between recognizable and challenging.

• Treat the text with theatrical intention. Schwartz wrote these lyrics to move the plot forward and reveal character; your singers should understand what the characters want when they sing this.
• The recorded accompaniment can lock your tempo and harmonic foundation, but use it as a starting point, not a ceiling. Experiment with pacing and dynamics in rehearsal before relying on it for every run-through.
• Balance brightness with control. The excitement of the piece comes from rhythmic clarity and crisp articulation, not from pushing volume. Lighter voices will cut through better than a forced forte.

Slot this into a concert celebrating music from film and stage, or pair it with other Schwartz songs for a composer focus. It works beautifully as a second-half opener, where you need something that resets the room's energy after a heavier selection. A spring or end-of-year concert centered on contemporary choral repertoire will benefit from its accessibility and theatrical flair.

• Singing contemporary choral arrangements with rhythmic precision
• Blending SATB harmony in a pop/Broadway style
• Connecting theatrical storytelling to choral performance
• Maintaining rhythmic independence while locking onto ensemble pulse