One Song: SATB & Opt. Solo Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes's arrangement captures what made the original recording resonate: a soulful, unhurried melody supported by warm harmonies that feel both modern and timeless. The optional solo spotlight creates natural programming flexibility, letting you feature a strong vocalist while keeping the piece firmly rooted in ensemble singing. This is exactly the kind of contemporary choral work that bridges pop sensibility and genuine musicality without sacrificing either.

The piece settles into an intimate, reflective space before gradually opening outward. Hamlisch's melody unfolds with genuine warmth, and Hayes's four-part writing creates rich, modern harmonies that feel organic to the style. By the final measures, what began as a soloist's quiet moment becomes a full ensemble statement of hope.

This arrangement serves choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that bridges pop idiom with genuine choral craft. It works for high school and college ensembles comfortable with R&B-influenced voicing and for any director programming graduation, peace, or brotherhood themes.

• Shape the opening solo phrases with legit vocal tone and unhurried phrasing; this ballad earns its power through restraint, not force.
• Balance the SATB voices so inner parts (alto and tenor lines) anchor the harmonic foundation without overshadowing the melody.
• Approach the finish with building momentum and fuller vocal weight, allowing the uplifting character to emerge naturally rather than manufactured.

Program this as a concert closer or as part of a graduation set where its message of unity and uplift lands with real impact. The optional solo also makes it viable for a spring concert featuring your ensemble's strongest vocalist, followed by full choir joining for the climax.

• Singing in a contemporary R&B-influenced style with legit vocal production
• Balancing solo and ensemble textures within a single piece
• Phrasing long melodic lines with restraint and expressive control
• Reading and sustaining modern jazz-influenced harmonies