Rock This Town (arr. Kirby Shaw): SSAA Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the irreverent charm and rhythmic momentum of the original while making it genuinely singable for women's voices. The part writing sits comfortably across the soprano and alto ranges, and the energy here is immediate. Your singers will connect with material that feels current and cool, not like they're singing somebody else's nostalgia.

Fast, snappy, and fun. The arrangement captures the original's crisp attack and propulsive beat while maintaining vocal focus. Expect your singers to feel energized in rehearsal; audiences will respond immediately to the familiarity and the sharp execution required.

Choirs looking for repertoire with genuine contemporary appeal and rock credibility. Works especially well for groups that program pop and rock alongside more traditional material, and for singers who thrive on music with rhythmic drive and attitude.

• Lock the rhythmic precision early. The groove lives in tight unison passages and clean cutoffs; sloppy attacks and releases will undermine the arrangement's punch.
• Balance the dialogue between upper and lower voices so neither gets swallowed. Stray Cats records are clear and present; your choir should mirror that transparency.
• Lean into the attitude. This song has swagger built into it. Encourage singers to own their parts rather than sit back; the energy should feel earned, not manufactured.
• Shape the dynamics to highlight Kirby's arranging choices. Where the voices split or double up, make those moments audible so the architecture of the arrangement lands.

Place this where you need an anchor for a modern pop or rock set, or use it as a high-energy closer on a lighter concert. It works equally well as a fun rehearsal morale booster and a serious performance vehicle. The ten-page length and straightforward structure make it manageable even in a packed rehearsal schedule.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated passages
• Ensemble balance and blend in divided voicing
• Stylistic interpretation of rock and pop idioms
• Coordinated attacks and releases across multiple voice parts
• Reading and responding to groove-based arrangements