Put That Screen Away!: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Dauer writes with a genuine understanding of what speaks to young singers, and this piece proves it. The scenario feels authentic (screen time negotiations are happening in every household), the retro groove gives performers something rhythmically engaging to sink their teeth into, and the theatrical storytelling transforms a simple narrative into a mini-drama that holds an audience's attention for its full 3.5 minutes. It's exactly the kind of novelty piece that reminds students why they enjoy being in choir.

Lighthearted and relatable, with a retro sonic texture that feels nostalgic even to younger singers. The piece captures the slightly panicked energy of a screen timeout negotiation, then resolves with enough humor to leave the audience (and performers) smiling rather than stressed.

Middle school and early high school choirs looking for contemporary, relatable repertoire that appeals to singers who live in a digital world. Directors seeking a concert piece that earns genuine laughs while remaining musically solid and age-appropriate.

• Lean into the theatrical moments. This isn't just a song to sing; it's a story to tell. Coach singers on where the drama peaks and where it resolves.
• Lock the rhythmic feel early in rehearsal. The retro groove is the backbone of the piece; once that sits solidly, the melodic lines become easier to track.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to hear how the arrangement breathes and where vocal entries should land naturally with the groove.

Program this as a palate cleanser between heavier concert selections, or use it to open a show with immediate audience connection. It works especially well in spring concerts or programs focused on contemporary adolescent experiences, and it's brief enough to pair with another short piece without overshadowing it.

• Storytelling through vocal expression and dramatic pacing
• Rhythmic precision in a groove-based contemporary style
• Two-part harmony awareness and blend
• Concert performance confidence with an accessible, relatable text