One Short Day: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Stephen Schwartz / Arranged by Roger Emerson
Item: 35-PK00028454
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Description
Join Glinda and Elphaba as they explore all the mysteries of The Emerald City in this standout selection from the musical "Wicked." Wonderful harmony and a well-crafted arrangement will make this a hit with both directors and singers! Performance Time: Approx. 2:20.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00028454
More about this title
About the Composer: Stephen Schwartz
Stephen Schwartz has shaped musical theater for over five decades, beginning with his work on "Godspell" and "Pippin" before achieving massive success with "Wicked." His compositions balance accessibility with harmonic sophistication, making them natural fits for educational choirs seeking repertoire that challenges without overwhelming.
Schwartz's gift lies in crafting melodies that lodge immediately in the listener's ear while supporting them with genuinely interesting harmonic language. For music educators, his work offers the rare opportunity to teach contemporary musical theater that students already know and love.
Why we love this
Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the sparkle and wonder of the source material while keeping the vocal writing within reach for mixed ensembles. The orchestration breathes with the singers rather than overwhelming them, and the harmonic architecture gives you genuine teachable moments around voice leading and blend.
What to expect
Pure theatrical joy. The opening has that infectious "Come with me" energy that pulls the audience in, while the harmonic progressions give moments of genuine wonder. The arrangement captures the giddy anticipation of seeing the Emerald City for the first time, with all its glamour and mystery intact.
Who it's for
Combo voicing choirs at the high school level and above, as well as community and college ensembles looking for contemporary musical theater that sits at an achievable technical level. This works equally well for concert settings and full musical theater productions.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the upper voices with clarity but without shrillness; "One Short Day" sits high, so encourage singers to maintain space in their throats and resonance rather than pushing for volume.
- Shape the phrases like dialogue between Glinda and Elphaba, even in ensemble sections. This conversation quality is what makes the number theatrical rather than simply pretty.
- Pay attention to the recorded accompaniment's tempo and use it as your rehearsal reference early on, but don't let it lock your interpretation; find the pulse that feels natural for your singers' breath.
How to use it
Program this as a concert highlight that engages audiences who know "Wicked" and delights those discovering it fresh. The 2:20 duration makes it ideal for a set of contemporary selections or as a bridge between more classical repertoire and modern pops arrangements. It's particularly effective in spring concerts where energy and accessibility matter.
Skills your students will build
- Navigating compound melodic lines in contemporary harmonic language
- Balancing ensemble cohesion with dramatic character in musical theater style
- Sustaining musical phrasing across longer harmonic progressions
- Interpreting Broadway performance conventions within a choral context