One Song: 2-Part & Opt. Solo Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes's arrangement transforms a contemporary R&B hit into genuine choral material without losing the song's soulful character or commercial appeal. The optional solo at the opening creates a natural vehicle for a standout vocalist while keeping the piece fully accessible for groups without a featured singer, and the harmonic writing throughout honors both the original's sophistication and the capabilities of a 2-part choir.

Warm, hopeful, and grounded in accessible harmony. The piece opens with intimate possibility through the optional solo, then expands into a unified choral voice that feels both uplifting and earnest, never saccharine. There's a contemporary sensibility here that speaks to younger singers while the underlying craft reveals why this song resonated with audiences across generations.

Directors seeking a contemporary, inspirational piece that works for younger or less experienced choirs without sacrificing musical substance. This octavo fits groups looking for accessible 2-part literature with genuine emotional impact and the optional flexibility to feature a solo voice.

• Feature your strongest vocalist on the opening solo if you have one, but rehearse the piece thoroughly without it so the choir is prepared to enter confidently and carry the narrative on their own.
• Shape the choral phrases with careful attention to the text; this is a song about unity and inspiration, so let the harmonies breathe and the message land with genuine warmth rather than rushing toward the ending.
• Use the recorded accompaniment during rehearsal to establish the groove and keep ensemble confidence high, then work toward singing with it rather than relying on it by performance time.
• Balance the two parts so that neither dominates; this arrangement works because both voices contribute equally to the overall sound and emotional arc.

Program this as a concert centerpiece or closing number when you want to end on a note of unity and inspiration; the 2-part voicing and moderate length (12 pages) make it practical for mixed-age or mixed-ability ensembles on a full concert. It works equally well in a spring show focused on contemporary repertoire or in a program celebrating peace and community themes.

• Singing contemporary popular music with stylistic awareness and proper phrasing
• Balancing two independent vocal lines while maintaining harmonic coherence
• Interpreting optional solo writing and transitioning cleanly from solo to full ensemble
• Sustaining emotional expression and connection to lyrical content across a longer ballad form