Make Them Hear You: SAB Choral Octavo

This arrangement opens Broadway's most celebrated contemporary musical to your choir without demanding soprano-alto-tenor-bass voicing. Jeff Funk has preserved Flaherty's soaring melody while building the harmony for three-part singers, creating a piece that sounds full and impressive at this accessible level. Directors consistently find that choirs respond strongly to material from shows their students actually know and care about, and this one delivers both emotional impact and the kind of crossover appeal that builds program attendance.

A moment of quiet conviction building to powerful affirmation. The song carries the emotional architecture of a prayer or manifesto, with lyrics that ask listeners to stand up and be heard. There's warmth and vulnerability in the opening that transforms into something bold and galvanizing by the end.

Choirs grades 5 and up with mixed or changing voices, particularly those ready to tackle Broadway material beyond show tunes. It works equally well for school choirs seeking concert repertoire with built-in student engagement and community choirs wanting contemporary, uplifting material.

• Anchor the opening phrases with legit, sustained singing rather than a contemporary pop approach. The ballad framework needs genuine musical weight to land.
• Balance the SAB voicing so that the middle part (alto line) remains audible alongside the sopranos. The chord color depends on it.
• Let the lyrics drive the phrasing. This is inspirational material, and singers perform best when they're genuinely convinced by the message they're delivering.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse sections without it to ensure the choir can pitch and balance independently before relying on the track.

Pair it with other contemporary Broadway selections for a themed concert, or program it as a standalone closer that sends audiences out energized rather than reflective. This also works beautifully in spring concerts celebrating student voice and leadership, or in benefits and community events where the inspirational message resonates beyond the stage.

• Singing sustained legit lines with consistent tone quality
• Balancing three-part harmony while maintaining independence of voice part
• Interpreting Broadway music with dramatic intention and emotional authenticity
• Working with recorded accompaniment while maintaining ensemble precision