Ring-a-Ding Ding (arr. Anthony Bartholomew): TTBB Choral Octavo

Classic swing-era charm wrapped in the warmth of tight four-part harmony. The melody is immediately recognizable, and the arrangement lets you feel the pleasure of singing in a barbershop texture: intimate, rhythmically conversational, and built on pure harmonic resonance.

TTBB choirs looking for repertoire that entertains audiences without sacrificing musicianship. This works especially well for groups comfortable with close harmony and interested in exploring the barbershop style.

• Lock the vowel shapes across all four parts during the sustained chords; barbershop shines when the blend is absolutely locked in.
• Lean into the swing feel if the tempo permits it. These sections should feel relaxed and conversational, not metronomic.
• Balance the melody line so the lead part sits just above the other voices without drowning them out; barbershop arrangements depend on that transparent, interlocking sound.

Pair this with other mid-century popular standards or male vocal arrangements to create a cohesive set that appeals to traditional audiences. It's also an excellent choice for pops concerts or informal community performances where accessibility and fun matter as much as technical difficulty.

• Barbershop harmonic function and the voice leading patterns that create characteristic ringing chords
• Sustained blending and vowel unity across parts
• Swing phrasing and rhythmic relaxation
• Flexibility in switching between different TTBB voicing configurations