Marry a Woman Uglier Than You: TTBB Choral Octavo

This arrangement brings a humorous, singable quality to a folk text that resonates with male singers. DePaur's voicing sits comfortably for TTBB ensembles while maintaining character and wit, making it an engaging addition to a mixed concert program or a strong contender for festival competition.

Clever, unpretentious, and grounded in the folk vernacular. DePaur's arrangement balances lyrical moments with rhythmic drive, creating a piece that feels both intimate among the singers and accessible to any audience. There's warmth underneath the humor.

TTBB choirs at the high school and college level will find this piece immediately rewarding to sing. The 16-page score offers enough musical substance to hold attention while remaining approachable for ensembles working with mixed vocal backgrounds.

• Lean into the comedic timing of the text. The humor lands when singers phrase with clarity and intentional articulation rather than rushing through the words.
• Balance the upper voices so that the melody and harmonic support from the tenor and baritone lines remain equally present throughout.
• Maintain a conversational tone in the delivery; think of it as storytelling with four parts rather than a formally dramatic interpretation.
• Check tuning carefully in the harmonic moments where the voices sustain together, particularly in cadences where blend becomes more exposed.

Program this as a palate cleanser between heavier choral works, or use it as the signature lighter moment in a mixed concert. It also holds its own in festival competition, where its singability and personality distinguish it from more serious repertoire at the same level.

• Diction and articulation in English text
• Balancing melody and harmony within a four-part texture
• Musical storytelling and interpretive control in comedy
• TTBB voicing and blend
• Rhythmic precision and ensemble cohesion