My Wish (arr. Ed Lojeski): SAB Choral Octavo

Ed Lojeski's SAB arrangement captures the warmth and sincerity of this widely recognized song while making it genuinely singable for mixed voices at a moderate level. The three-part voicing avoids extremes in range and complexity, letting the emotional core of the melody shine through without requiring specialized technique. Choirs appreciate having contemporary material that feels current yet accessible, and this piece delivers both.

The piece carries an earnest, almost intimate quality. Despite being a pop song at its core, Lojeski's arrangement lends it a concert hall sensibility that feels genuine rather than forced. Singers often connect personally with the lyrics, and that authenticity tends to carry through to the audience.

Choirs seeking accessible contemporary material that appeals to students and audiences alike will find this arrangement straightforward to prepare. It works well for groups with mixed singing experience, including high school and adult choirs looking to build confidence with recognizable repertoire. The moderate difficulty level makes it suitable for fall or spring concerts without requiring extensive rehearsal investment.

• Balance the soprano line carefully so it sits above the arrangement rather than dominating. The melody's strength lies in its simplicity, not in vocal weight.
• Shape the phrases through dynamic swells rather than aggressive attacks. This song asks for restraint and control, especially in the verses.
• Connect your alto and bass parts early in rehearsal as independent lines. Many singers in SAB arrangements neglect the lower voices, but they're crucial to the harmonic integrity here.
• Record a rough rehearsal and listen together. Hearing how your combined voices sound often reveals balance issues that go unnoticed during singing.

Use this as a bridge between traditional concert fare and contemporary music, showing audiences that choral artistry encompasses modern songwriting. It pairs naturally with other inspirational pop or country arrangements, or it can stand alone as a singular modern piece in a program otherwise built from classic repertoire. The emotional accessibility makes it an excellent choice for community concerts or events where you want to include material that resonates with younger listeners.

• Balancing three-part harmony with clear melodic focus
• Phrasing contemporary popular music within a choral context
• Sustaining vowel consistency across phrase lengths
• Collaborative listening and blending in mixed voicings