Michael Jackson Smash Hits! Volume One: SAB Choral Book

These three arrangements give your choir immediate access to repertoire that genuinely excites singers. Young choristers respond to material they recognize and love, and SAB voicing ensures everyone can participate regardless of voice type maturity. Arranger Simon Lesley has preserved the melodic essence and rhythmic character of each song while keeping keyboard and vocal demands realistic for developing ensembles.

These arrangements capture the infectious energy and melodic warmth of Jackson's best-known work. Whether you're moving through the groove-driven funk of "ABC," the lush ballad sensibility of "I'll Be There," or the syncopated brilliance of "Billie Jean," the music feels contemporary and alive in a choral setting.

This collection suits choirs with limited male singers or tenors with unchanged or unstable voices, since the men's part is written to blend with alto rather than carry separate harmonic weight. It works equally well for youth choirs, community ensembles, and adult groups seeking accessible, engaging secular repertoire that connects with audiences beyond the concert hall.

• Lock the rhythmic pocket with your pianist before rehearsals begin. These songs thrive on steady groove; use a metronome or click track to anchor the ensemble.
• Balance the three parts so the soprano line cuts through without overshadowing the alto and men's lines. Jackson's originals feature layered vocals, and your arrangement can too.
• Lean into the natural swing and syncopation of each piece rather than singing mechanically. These are songs built on feel, not just notes on a page.
• Have singers listen to the original recordings alongside their parts. Hearing Jackson's phrasing, breath placement, and emotional delivery will deepen their performance instincts.

Program these pieces for spring or end-of-year concerts where you want to showcase your choir's personality and connect with family audiences who grew up with this music. They also work as a programming bridge between more classical selections, giving concerts structural variety and energy. Consider pairing them with other pop or secular choral arrangements to create a cohesive set.

• Rhythmic accuracy in syncopated, groove-based writing
• Blending three-part harmony while maintaining individual line integrity
• Phrasing and expression in contemporary vocal music
• Part independence and listening across SAB voicing
• Stylistic awareness of pop music performance conventions