Opening Up (from Waitress The Musical) (arr. Mac Huff) Sheet Music Preview

Opening Up (from Waitress The Musical) (arr. Mac Huff): Choral Instrumental Pak

As performed by Sara Bareilles / Arranged by Mac Huff

Item: 35-PK00380405

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Description
Here is a cheery standout song from the endearing and down-to-earth musical "Waitress." Your singers will love experiencing this entertaining ensemble number from Act I which also includes the Finale.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00380405

More about this title

About the Artist: Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles is a singer-songwriter whose work spans pop, theater, and film. She won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for her original score to "Waitress," which she also starred in on Broadway. Her gift for crafting emotionally resonant melodies paired with conversational, character-driven lyrics has made her scores accessible entry points into musical theater for student performers.

Why we love this

Mac Huff's arrangement captures the infectious energy and heart of the original without losing the song's essential charm. The ensemble writing feels natural and singable, letting the joy of the moment shine through rather than layering on vocal complexity for its own sake. A director gets a piece that audiences recognize and connect with immediately, paired with musicianship that respects both the source material and the students performing it.

What to expect

Warm, optimistic, and genuinely funny. The song radiates the kind of camaraderie you get in a small diner kitchen where people have learned to lift each other up. There's an undercurrent of genuine affection beneath the humor.

Who it's for

Choirs seeking repertoire that bridges classical technique and contemporary style will find this rewarding. It works equally well for intermediate and advanced ensembles who want something their audiences will instantly recognize and enjoy.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lean into the conversational tone of the lyrics. These characters are talking to each other, not performing at each other. The entertainment value comes from authenticity, not belted delivery.
  • Balance the parts carefully in sectional rehearsals so the harmonic foundation stays clear. Huff's voicing works best when every layer is heard, not buried.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in the groove and tempo. This arrangement thrives on rhythmic cohesion and pocket feel.
  • Find the character arc within the song. Even upbeat ensemble numbers benefit from intentional dynamics and phrasing that mirror what's happening dramatically.

How to use it

This fits perfectly in a pop-focused concert or a theater revue where you want to include contemporary musical theater alongside traditional fare. It also works as a concert opener that establishes immediate rapport with the audience and sets a welcoming tone for the rest of the program.

Skills your students will build

  • Stylistic control in contemporary pop singing
  • Ensemble balance and blend across multiple vocal lines
  • Interpretive choices that serve character and lyrical storytelling
  • Rhythmic precision in groove-based accompaniments
  • Dynamic shaping that creates musical narrative arc

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