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Put a Little Love in Your Heart: 2-Part Choral Octavo

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Put a Little Love in Your Heart Cover Image

Put a Little Love in Your Heart: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Words and music by Jimmy Holiday, Randy Myers, and Jackie De Shannon / arr. Jay Althouse

Item: 00-27162

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Description
The tempo indication says "with a groove," and we couldn't think of better words to describe it. This arrangement cooks! It's funky, with a twist of soul. And the lyrics are upbeat and positive: "Think of your fellow man, give him a helping hand. Put a little love in your heart."

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Put a Little Love in Your Heart: 2-Part Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081294223
SKU: 00-27162

More about this title

About the Composer: Jimmy Holiday

Jimmy Holiday co-wrote "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" with Randy Myers and Jackie De Shannon in 1978, creating one of the era's most enduring messages of goodwill and social connection. The song became an instant standard, covered by artists across multiple genres and earning widespread recognition for its infectious positivity and genuine emotional appeal.

Why we love this

Jay Althouse's arrangement captures the song's funky, soul-infused groove while keeping the voicing accessible for 2-part choirs. The piece brings genuine joy to rehearsals and performances; singers engage with music that feels current and relevant, not dated, and audiences respond immediately to its message and energy.

What to expect

The arrangement radiates warmth and optimism. From the opening groove, singers and listeners alike sense this is music meant to connect people and lift spirits. The soul-pop blend creates an inviting, energetic soundscape that feels both fun to perform and genuinely meaningful.

Who it's for

Directors seeking accessible, uplifting repertoire for developing 2-part choirs who can handle contemporary rhythms and want to sing music with immediate appeal. This works for middle school through adult ensembles and fits equally well in secular concert settings, community events, or programs celebrating positive messaging.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock into the rhythmic groove early in rehearsals. The "with a groove" marking isn't decorative; it's the foundation of the arrangement, so establish the pocket before worrying about perfect unison.
  • Balance the funk elements against clarity of the text. The lyrics carry the emotional weight, so ensure the positive message cuts through the rhythmic texture.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment to internalize the groove and feel how your voices sit within the arrangement's harmonic movement.
  • Shape the dynamics to build energy. This piece thrives on forward momentum, so resist the urge to flatten the dynamics even in shorter sections.

How to use it

Program this as an opener or closer to set a positive tone for a concert, or place it alongside other uplifting secular titles to create a thematic set about community and human connection. Its contemporary grooves also pair well with other pop or musical theater selections, offering variety without jarring style shifts.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading syncopated rhythms in popular song contexts
  • Singing with rhythmic precision in a groove-based arrangement
  • Balancing text clarity with rhythmic and harmonic complexity
  • Responding to soul and funk stylistic elements in choral writing

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