Pop Goes the World: Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Ivan Doroschuk / As performed by Men Without Hats / Arranged by Alan Billingsley
Item: 35-PK00414277
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Description
There is plenty of room to get your groove on in this techno pop hit by Canadian group "Men Without Hats." Be sure to have Kazoos handy for your choir as the iconic buzzing instruments make appearances throughout. The steady eighth note beat pulsates without pause and the choral writing is solid and worthy. A great change of pace in your show.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00414277
More about this title
About the Artist: Ivan Doroschuk
Ivan Doroschuk fronted Men Without Hats, the Canadian new wave band that defined 1980s synth pop with infectious energy and quirky sensibility. As the group's primary songwriter and vocalist, Doroschuk crafted novelty hits that balanced genuine musicianship with playful irreverence, earning the band a devoted following that extends far beyond their era of origin.
For music educators, Doroschuk's work represents accessible pop writing that doesn't sacrifice harmonic or rhythmic interest. His melodies sit naturally in ensemble voicing, and his arrangements reward both precision and personality from singers.
Why we love this
Arrangers like Billingsley have a gift for translating '80s synth hooks into choral textures without flattening their charm. The steady eighth note pulse keeps ensembles locked together while kazoo parts inject genuine humor and surprise. Your singers get a genuine groove to lock onto, not a novelty that feels thin once the gimmick wears off.
What to expect
The relentless eighth note pulse creates forward momentum that feels almost mechanical until the voices layer in. Suddenly the beat becomes human again. Kazoos cut through like little electronic voices cheering everyone on, turning a tight rhythmic exercise into something celebratory and slightly absurd.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire with genuine entertainment value and rhythmic sophistication. This works equally well for high school show choirs, community ensembles, and middle school groups ready to handle synth pop arranging idioms.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the eighth note pulse as your foundation before layering any vocal parts. Have everyone tap or step-touch to internalize the beat at different tempos.
- Assign kazoo parts selectively based on embouchure control. Even strong singers may need rehearsal to execute the buzzing technique cleanly without it competing with harmony.
- Balance the choral texture against any backing tracks; the arrangement depends on the contrast between vocal blend and electronic elements to breathe.
- Lean into the novelty elements rather than underplaying them. Audiences sense when performers commit to the fun, which makes the whole performance land harder.
How to use it
Drop this into the second half of a concert as the energy shift your audience needs. It works as a palate cleanser after serious repertoire and gives your ensemble a chance to show their rhythmic and comedic range in the same breath.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining steady eighth note rhythmic patterns while singing sustained harmony
- Executing alternate articulations (kazoo buzzing technique alongside legit singing)
- Balancing precision rhythm section awareness against choral blend
- Interpreting synth pop idioms in choral voicing and phrasing