Shake It Off (arr. Rick Hein): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Rick Hein's arrangement captures the infectious energy of this anthem while keeping the vocal writing accessible for developing singers. The 2-part texture allows you to build confidence in your ensemble without sacrificing the song's infectious charm, and students respond immediately to repertoire that mirrors what they hear in the world around them.

Upbeat and empowering, this arrangement channels the song's message of resilience with bright, driving rhythms and clean harmonic support. The energy feels contemporary and celebratory without sacrificing musical substance.

Choirs at the middle school through early high school level will find this arrangement perfectly pitched for their abilities. The 2-part voicing works equally well for treble choirs, mixed choirs, or ensembles still developing part independence.

• Keep the rhythmic drive steady throughout. This song thrives on forward momentum, so resist the temptation to linger on any phrase even when the lyrics invite emotional connection.
• Balance the two parts so neither overwhelms the other. The arrangement's accessibility depends on both voices remaining audible and equally supported.
• Lock into the groove early in rehearsal by having singers feel the pulse in their bodies before focusing on pitch. This builds ensemble cohesion faster than standard warm-up approaches.

Consider this for spring or end-of-year concerts where you want to close on an uplifting note that audiences of all ages will recognize and enjoy. It also works beautifully as an encore or as part of a pop music themed program that demonstrates your choir's range beyond traditional classical repertoire.

• Reading and executing rhythmic precision in contemporary pop idiom
• Maintaining independent vocal lines while blending within a two-part texture
• Connecting lyrical content to expressive singing choices
• Sustaining rhythmic energy and forward motion across a full arrangement