Reach (arr. Richard Salt): SSAB Choral Octavo

Richard Salt's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original while keeping the vocal writing singable and stylistically authentic. The SSA/SSAB voicing stays true to pop sensibilities rather than forcing the piece into traditional choral conventions, making it feel fresh in a classroom context.

Bright and propulsive, with the kind of melodic hooks that stick in your head long after rehearsal ends. The arrangement maintains the original's upbeat confidence while creating genuine harmonic interest beneath the surface.

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that feels current without requiring extensive vocal maturity or complex part writing. This octavo works equally well for middle school ensembles developing pop arranging awareness and high school choirs looking to program music their audience actually knows.

• Lean into the rhythmic precision of the original; this arrangement thrives on crisp articulation and tight ensemble alignment rather than legit operatic tone.
• Balance the main melody against upper and lower voices to preserve the song's accessibility, since the hook is what draws listeners in.
• Record yourself singing the alto or second soprano part separately so students can hear how their line sits independently before locking it into the full blend.
• Use light, conversational phrasing rather than sustained, operatic delivery; pop music lives in shorter breath units and forward momentum.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to build a full set that demonstrates how modern songs can coexist with traditional choral music on the same concert. It's also ideal for spring pops concerts or community engagement events where you want your singers performing repertoire they genuinely connect with.

• Rhythmic precision in pop idiom (syncopation and groove pocket)
• Blending contemporary vocal production with ensemble singing
• Part independence while maintaining overall hook and melody clarity
• Navigating SSA/SSAB voicing across changing harmonic texture