Rolling in the Deep (arr. Don Henken): SAB Choral Octavo

Don Henken's arrangement captures the raw energy and contemporary edge of the original while making it genuinely singable for secondary choirs. The SAB voicing preserves the song's driving intensity without requiring extensive soloists, and the 126 pages suggest thoughtful, detailed orchestration that gives students real musical substance to sink their teeth into.

Propulsive and electrifying. The song carries an undeniable swagger and emotional force that makes singers feel like they're performing something genuinely current and relevant. There's satisfaction in nailing the rhythmic precision, and genuine catharsis in delivering the emotional weight of the lyric.

Secondary choirs looking to program something contemporary with real commercial appeal and musical substance. Choirs with reasonably secure sight readers who want to challenge themselves with a modern arrangement that still respects the integrity of the original.

• Lock the rhythmic precision of the backing sections early in rehearsal. The groove sits at the heart of this arrangement, so even small ensemble members need to feel the pocket with confidence.
• Shape the dynamics in the verse to build genuine tension toward each chorus. Adele's original thrives on restraint followed by release, and that contrast becomes your greatest tool for audience engagement.
• Work the alto line separately if needed. Supporting vocal lines in contemporary pop often carry rhythmic patterns that feel unfamiliar to classically trained singers, so isolating parts speeds up the learning curve.
• Emphasize the emotional core of the lyric during final rehearsals. This song's power comes from its intensity and directness, not from technical perfection, so shape your interpretation around authentic expression.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements for a full concert segment that demonstrates your choir's range and versatility. It works especially well as a high-energy closer or as a centerpiece in a concert that balances classical repertoire with music that matters to your students' generation.

• Singing contemporary pop phrasing and articulation
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in syncopated arrangements
• Building intensity through dynamic contrast and layered voicing
• Connecting emotional expression to performance authenticity
• Reading and executing non-traditional chord progressions and rhythmic patterns