Mystical Magical: Choral SoundTrax CD

Alan Billingsley's arrangement channels the infectious energy of the original without sacrificing the choir's voice. The optional solo and built-in rhythmic momentum make this piece genuinely fun to rehearse and perform, and the optional SoundPax parts give you flexibility to match your ensemble's instrumentation.

Sparkling and propulsive. The bouncy bassline carries the piece forward with infectious energy while sugar-sweet harmonies create a light, celebratory sound. There's playfulness here that comes from the catchy melody and the rhythmic momentum that keeps everything moving.

This arrangement suits choirs looking to program contemporary pop alongside more traditional repertoire. It works especially well for middle school through high school ensembles that respond to current music and benefit from the engagement a recognizable hit provides.

• Lean into the rhythmic precision of the chorus; the head-bopping quality depends on tight unison and locked ensemble articulation.
• Balance the optional opening solo so it sparkles without overwhelming the ensemble's entrance that follows.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to nail the contemporary groove, then gradually reduce reliance on it as the choir internalizes the pop feel.
• If adding rhythm section and synth parts, let the rhythm section establish the groove first during early rehearsals before layering in vocal parts.

Program this alongside other pop selections to demonstrate range and contemporary relevance, or use it as a closing number for a concert that needs an uplifting final energy. The recorded accompaniment makes it accessible for smaller ensembles or those with limited rehearsal time.

• Rhythmic precision in contemporary pop contexts
• Balancing optional solo lines with ensemble entries
• Sustaining energy through repetitive pop structures
• Blend and intonation in close-voiced harmonies