River Deep - Mountain High (arr. Kirby Shaw): SSA Choral Octavo

River Deep - Mountain High (arr. Kirby Shaw): SSA Choral Octavo

As performed by Tina Turner / As performed by Ike Tina Turner / Arranged by Kirby Shaw

Item: 35-DS01238960
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 10
SKU: 35-DS01238960

More about this title

About the Artist: Tina Turner

Tina Turner emerged as one of rock and soul's most dynamic performers, bringing unmatched energy and authenticity to every stage she commanded. Her career spanned decades of reinvention, from her early work as part of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue through her solo superstardom in the 1980s and beyond, establishing her as a vocalist of remarkable range and presence.

Why we love this

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the infectious drive of this Motown classic while making it accessible for developing SSA choirs. The energy is contagious without requiring a massive instrumentation, and singers feel the swagger of the original while working on genuine musical challenges.

What to expect

Powerful and driving, with an undeniable groove that sits somewhere between rock confidence and pop accessibility. The arrangement pulses with the same determination and vocal muscle that defined the original, inviting singers to inhabit a piece that demands presence and commitment.

Who it's for

Intermediate to advanced SSA choirs seeking repertoire that feels modern and exciting without sacrificing musicality. This works well for groups ready to tackle popular music with genuine artistry and choirs looking to connect with an audience through music they recognize and love.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the unison passages firmly; Shaw uses them strategically to build momentum, and precision here amplifies the impact when the harmony returns.
  • Treat the rhythmic punctuations as percussive elements. These choirs are adding texture, not just singing pitches, so encourage rhythmic clarity and slight articulation.
  • Lean into the swagger of the melodic line without overcomplicating it. The arrangement serves the song's essential character, which means restraint in rubato actually serves the piece better.
  • Balance the blend so the lead voice sits slightly forward but never at the expense of the harmonic foundation. This piece thrives on the interplay between parts, not solo dominance.

How to use it

Pair this with other Motown or soul standards to build a concert that celebrates American popular music with real substance. It also works beautifully as an opener or closer for a program mixing classic pop with more traditional choral works, signaling to the audience that they're in for something they can genuinely connect with.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing with rhythmic precision in a groove-based style
  • Balancing lead and supporting vocal lines
  • Sustaining energy and character across a full song form
  • Navigating unison and harmony transitions smoothly
  • Interpreting popular music with musical integrity

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