Shallow (from A Star Is Born) (arr. André Bachmann): SMAA Choral Octavo

André Bachmann's arrangement respects the song's intimate character while opening it up for four-part mixed voicing. The piece gives choirs a contemporary selection that students actually want to sing, with harmonic language that sits naturally for developing singers while remaining emotionally honest.

Intimate and introspective, with a deliberate pace that allows vulnerability to register. The harmonies are warm but sophisticated, never precious, maintaining the conversational quality of the original duet even when sung by a full choir.

Choirs looking for contemporary pop repertoire that doesn't require percussion or full band accompaniment. This works for intermediate to advancing groups wanting to expand beyond standard show tunes and classical selections while maintaining focus on vocal technique.

• Build dynamics gradually across the arc of the piece rather than pushing full volume early. The song depends on restraint to land emotionally.
• Balance the vocal lines so that text remains clear even in fuller passages. Diction clarity matters more than blend here.
• Use recorded accompaniment during early rehearsals to lock in the harmonic context, then gradually reduce dependence as singers gain independence.
• Shape phrases around the lyrical content, not the bar lines. Let breath placements serve the poetry.

Pair this with other film music selections for a concert exploring the intersection of cinema and song, or program it as a standalone moment of reflection in a mixed repertoire concert. The emotional authenticity makes it particularly effective as a closer or penultimate piece where audience attention is already focused.

• sustaining long vocal lines without straining
• balancing text delivery across four-part harmony
• shaping phrases for emotional communication rather than technical display
• reading and performing contemporary pop arranging conventions
• maintaining ensemble intonation through slower tempos