Man In The Mirror (arr. Jonathan Wikeley): SSA Choral Octavo

Jonathan Wikeley's arrangement transforms a pop milestone into a piece that respects both the original's emotional core and the capabilities of SSA ensembles. The 23-page score suggests thoughtful harmonic development and vocal writing that avoids oversimplification, making this genuinely interesting to rehearse rather than a surface-level novelty choice.

Introspective and purposeful, with the kind of melodic directness that hooks listeners while maintaining room for genuine vocal expression. The arrangement balances pop idiom authenticity with the textural possibilities that come from thinking in three parts, creating moments of surprising sophistication within familiar territory.

SSA choirs seeking contemporary repertoire with cross-generational appeal and a message worth singing about. Directors programming concerts that honor both popular music and vocal musicianship will find this arrangement bridges those needs effectively.

• Establish the groove early in rehearsals by isolating rhythm sections with lighter voices first, then layering in the full harmonic palette. The pop idiom demands secure pocket rhythm from all parts, not just the accompaniment.
• Shape the bridge section with dynamic restraint to build toward the final statement of the hook. Choirs often overplay pop arrangements; understatement often proves more effective.
• Work the melodic line with your S1s until it sits naturally in their passaggio. Since this is Jackson's signature melody, tuning and tone consistency matter enormously for ensemble identity.

Place this at a program's emotional center, perhaps following lighter fare and preceding or following another piece with social consciousness. The song's message and accessibility make it particularly effective in concerts addressing themes of personal growth or community responsibility, where its familiarity can actually deepen the impact of its content.

• Stylistic interpretation of contemporary pop idiom
• Rhythmic precision and pocket awareness in ensemble singing
• Balancing solo melodic responsibility with harmonic support
• Dynamic shaping and phrasing in a non-classical context
• Tuning flexibility in pop harmonic progressions