Shake Your Groove Thing: SAB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures all the infectious groove and rhythmic momentum of the original without losing sight of what makes this tune singable for younger voices. The SAB voicing keeps parts accessible while maintaining the funk pocket that makes the piece irresistible in performance.

Infectious, groovy, and impossible to keep still for. The arrangement maintains that irresistible funk swagger while staying vocally sensible, giving singers the chance to feel cool while they're actually developing their skills.

Choirs looking to program contemporary repertoire that students actually want to sing. This works especially well for middle school and high school ensembles seeking to build repertoire beyond traditional concert music without sacrificing musicality.

• Nail the syncopation in the rhythm section first. Have basses and tenors lock into the groove before layering sopranos and altos, then rehearse as a unified whole.
• Push the energy forward without rushing the tempo. The funk feel depends on relaxation within a steady pulse, not frantic acceleration.
• Emphasize the call-and-response sections with clear articulation and dynamic contrast between solo voices and full ensemble passages.

Pair this with other seventies-influenced pop arrangements for a themed concert, or use it as a second-half opener to shift energy and audience engagement after more formal selections. It's an excellent choice for pops concerts, community events, or any program needing a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

• Syncopated rhythm reading in funk/pop contexts
• Locked ensemble groove and rhythmic precision
• Call-and-response phrasing and dynamic contrast
• Contemporary vocal articulation and style awareness