Right Now: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the infectious energy and driving rhythm of the original while making it singable and engaging for mixed choirs. The combo parts add authentic rock texture without overwhelming the vocal lines, giving your ensemble the sound of a genuine rock performance rather than a stripped-down cover. Programming a song this well-known guarantees audience connection from the opening note.

From the first moment, this arrangement radiates conviction and momentum. The vocal lines soar with the kind of unshakeable optimism that made the original a cultural touchstone, while the rhythm section drives underneath with rock-solid groove and attitude. It's a piece that makes singers feel like they're part of something larger than themselves.

This octavo works for mixed choirs of intermediate to advanced ability who want to perform contemporary rock with confidence and style. Directors looking to program something with immediate appeal to audiences and students will find this especially valuable; the song's commercial familiarity and positive message make it accessible without feeling juvenile.

• Lean into the rhythmic precision of the combo parts from day one. The guitar and bass lines lock the groove; once your singers feel that pocket, they'll find their own energy.
• Keep the tempo steady and driving. This arrangement thrives on forward motion, so resist the urge to slow down during softer passages.
• Shape the dynamics around the recorded accompaniment. Listen carefully to when instruments drop out or swell, and have your singers respond to those shifts in texture.
• Emphasize the unison or homophonic sections to maximize impact. When the part writing diverges, clarity matters, but the power moments come when voices lock together.

This works beautifully as a concert closer or a high-energy moment in a mixed program, especially if you're balancing classical or art song repertoire. The accompanying combo parts make it ideal for a concert where you can feature your rhythm section or collaborate with jazz ensemble musicians. It also lands effectively in a program celebrating songs from popular culture or in any concert where you want to end with audience recognition and shared joy.

• Singing over a steady rock rhythm and maintaining groove against a recorded accompaniment
• Balancing vocal blend with part independence when harmony moves to multiple voice parts
• Connecting lyrical meaning and vocal expression to drive and attitude rather than legit tone
• Responding to instrumental cues and matching the dynamic shape of the combo arrangement