Rock With You - A Tribute to Michael Jackson (Medley) Sheet Music Preview

Rock With You - A Tribute to Michael Jackson (Medley): 2-Part Choral Octavo

By Rod Temperton / As performed by Michael Jackson / Arranged by Mac Huff

Item: 35-DS00135566

Digital Download
$3.95
Description

Rock With You - A Tribute to Michael Jackson (Medley): 2-Part Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 46
SKU: 35-DS00135566

More about this title

About the Composer: Rod Temperton

Rod Temperton was the keyboardist and primary songwriter for Toto, but his most enduring legacy comes from his work as a producer and composer for Michael Jackson. He crafted some of Jackson's biggest hits, including "Rock With You," "Off the Wall," and "Human Nature," shaping the sound of 1980s pop music alongside Quincy Jones. Temperton's gift for melody, his understanding of groove, and his ability to blend funk sensibilities with accessible pop hooks made him instrumental in defining Jackson's sonic identity during a transformative era in popular music.

For music educators, Temperton's work represents a masterclass in song craft. His arrangements are memorable without being simplistic, and his understanding of how to make pop music swing has influenced generations of composers and arrangers working in contemporary styles.

Why we love this

Mac Huff has distilled several Michael Jackson classics into a single medley that captures the infectious energy of these songs without overwhelming a 2-part ensemble. This arrangement moves through recognizable material at a pace that keeps audiences engaged, and the part writing sits comfortably for students while maintaining the harmonic sophistication that made these songs work in the first place.

What to expect

Smooth, energetic, and undeniably funky. The medley captures Jackson's signature blend of sophisticated production and irresistible groove, creating an arrangement that feels both celebratory and musically substantive. Students will recognize these melodies immediately, which creates an instant connection between performers and listeners.

Who it's for

Choir directors looking for contemporary pop material that connects with student singers and audiences alike. This works especially well in programs that celebrate popular music traditions or in settings where you need something that feels current and fun without sacrificing musical integrity.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock in the pulse early. These songs live and die on their groove, so establish a strong sense of the underlying beat during sectionals before layering in the melody.
  • Treat the dynamic range as part of the storytelling. The medley format gives you natural opportunities to pull back on verses and surge forward on chorus moments, which adds shape to the overall performance.
  • Pay attention to any spoken interjections or rhythmic hits that appear in the arrangement. They anchor the Jackson sound and deserve as much precision as the sung material.

How to use it

Consider this for a pop or contemporary music concert, a spring or end-of-year celebration, or a program exploring the influence of specific artists on musical culture. The medley format also makes it ideal for variety in a longer concert where you want students to experience something brighter and more rhythmically driven than traditional concert repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining groove and internal pulse while singing over syncopated accompaniment
  • Blending voices across a medley structure with multiple tempo and mood changes
  • Interpreting contemporary pop style with attention to phrasing and articulation
  • Reading and executing rhythmic precision in a 2-part texture

You May Also Like