Royals (arr. Hans Kaldeway): SSMATTBB Choral Octavo

Kaldeway's arrangement transforms "Royals" into a sophisticated choral piece that preserves the song's biting irony while creating rich harmonic textures across eight voices. The extended voicing (SSMATTBB) allows directors to showcase both the brightness of soprano layers and the depth that comes from doubling tenor and baritone parts, making it engaging for larger ensembles without sacrificing the song's essential attitude.

Lean and witty, with an almost architectural quality to its harmonies. The arrangement captures the song's cool detachment and subtle humor while creating enough harmonic complexity to feel substantial in a concert setting, never warm but deeply satisfying.

This arrangement suits choirs looking to program contemporary repertoire that demands musical maturity without requiring soloists or instrumental accompaniment. The SSMATTBB voicing works well for mixed ensembles with solid alto and tenor sections, or for directors willing to split their standard SATB roster into eight functional parts.

• Approach the rhythm section (basses and lower tenors) as the true backbone of the groove; lock them together first, then layer the upper voices around their foundation rather than treating all voices equally.
• Maintain the deadpan delivery in the lyrical phrases. This arrangement works best when singers commit to the song's detached, observational tone rather than oversinging with vibrato.
• Balance the sustained harmonic layers (often the middle voices) against the rhythmic drive of the outermost parts; experiment with which voices sit forward in your acoustical space.

Consider opening a set with this piece to signal a shift toward contemporary repertoire, or pair it with other pop arrangements to demonstrate how today's songwriting translates into ensemble music. Its compact length (20 pages) makes it an ideal opener, closer, or palate-cleanser between heavier classical works.

• Navigating syncopated rhythms against sustained harmonic backdrops
• Maintaining rhythmic independence across eight individual parts
• Balancing lyrical delivery with precise rhythmic accuracy
• Blending sustained vowels while tracking harmonic function
• Reading and performing divisi within soprano and tenor sections