Potato Chips (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Lighthearted and bouncy, with the rhythmic snap of jazz phrasing applied to an unexpectedly mundane subject. The arrangement sparkles with warmth rather than trying to be ironic or forced.

Young singers in treble or mixed ensembles who connect with contemporary pop and jazz idioms. The two-part format makes this accessible to developing choirs while staying interesting enough for seasoned singers looking for something modern and fun.

• Encourage singers to lean into the rhythmic precision that defines the jazz feel; sloppy attacks will undermine the crisp energy the arrangement requires.
• Balance the humorous text with sincere vocal production so the piece lands as clever rather than cartoonish.
• Use dynamics strategically to shape phrases and prevent the arrangement from feeling static across its seven pages.

Pair this with other Emerson arrangements or contemporary pop selections for a concert that balances familiar and unexpected repertoire. It works especially well as a closer or a palate cleanser between more serious works, giving audiences permission to smile.

• Jazz articulation and phrasing in a pop context
• Rhythmic precision within syncopated accompaniment
• Blend and balance in two-part writing
• Style and tone appropriate to non-classical material