More Today Than Yesterday: SATB Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the genuine warmth of this classic without sentimentality, making it achievable for intermediate choirs while preserving what made the original resonate across generations. The piece sits comfortably in most voices and builds naturally from verse through chorus, giving singers a satisfying arc to shape. Programming this alongside other '70s pop standards or mixing it into a nostalgia concert creates instant audience connection.

Warm and direct, with the earnest sincerity that defined '70s soft rock. The arrangement leans into the melody's natural contours, creating moments of full harmonic richness alongside cleaner, more intimate passages that let the lyric breathe.

This arrangement works for choirs seeking accessible, recognizable repertoire that bridges classical and popular styles. High school and community choirs will find it gratifying to learn and perform; the tunefulness means audiences engage immediately.

• Balance the lead line carefully in the first verse; this arrangement likely features one or two voices carrying the melody, so those singers need support from the inner voices without drowning out the tune.
• Shape the dynamic rise from verse to chorus deliberately rather than jumping up all at once. Let the harmonic movement do some of the work.
• Pay attention to vowel consistency across the phrase endings. The song's emotional core depends on clear diction without forcing the text.

Fit this into a pop or standards showcase concert, or pair it with other hits from the same era to create a cohesive set. It also works as a lighter middle piece in a mixed concert when you want to shift tone between heavier classical or show music selections.

• Balancing a prominent melody line against supporting harmonies
• Phrasing lyrical content with emotional clarity
• Blending jazz-influenced chord voicings in an SATB context
• Managing dynamic shapes across longer phrases