Sheila Franklin / I Believe in Love (from "Hair"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

MacDermot's melodies sit perfectly under the voice, with chord voicings that work equally well for a vocalist with strong classical training or one rooted in contemporary music. The arrangements maintain the raw energy of the original rock aesthetic while remaining playable by pianists at intermediate levels. Songs like "I Believe in Love" offer genuine emotional weight without requiring technical virtuosity, making them ideal for mixed-level rehearsals and performances.

Hair captured an era of social awakening and radical optimism, and these songs still carry that energy. The music feels both earnest and playful, with melodies that lodge in the ear immediately while lyrics that invite reflection. Whether tender or exuberant, each song pulses with authenticity and freedom.

This collection serves high school and adult community musicians who want to perform music from one of Broadway's most influential productions. Vocalists seeking contemporary material with theatrical legitimacy and pianists wanting to expand beyond classical accompaniment will find these arrangements approachable and musically rewarding. Directors programming concert or pops series will appreciate songs that resonate with audiences of multiple generations.

• Let the groove breathe rather than rushing the rhythm. These songs thrive on a relaxed pocket; lock into the pulse with confidence rather than pushing ahead.
• Voice the chords to complement the vocal line rather than fighting it. If a song sits higher in the melody, keep left-hand voicings open and avoid doubling the singer's notes unnecessarily.
• Study the original cast recording alongside this score. Hearing how the ensemble handled dynamics, phrasing, and blend will inform choices that feel authentic to the material.
• Balance the rock idiom with clear diction. The lyrics carry meaning; ensure vocal clarity doesn't get lost underneath full chord voicings or driving rhythmic patterns.

Pair these selections with other contemporary musical theater to create a program that spans from traditional Broadway to modern pop-influenced scoring. A single song works beautifully in a pops concert or variety show, while a suite of three to four numbers can anchor a full program exploring 1960s cultural music. Consider programming "I Believe in Love" alongside socially conscious contemporary pieces for a meaningful thematic concert.

• Reading and interpreting rock and pop chord changes
• Balancing vocal phrasing with contemporary rhythmic accompaniment patterns
• Voicing jazz-influenced chords in theatrical context
• Understanding the historical role of rock music in modern musical theater
• Performing with stylistic authenticity across multiple contemporary idioms