Shut Up And Dance (arr. Deke Sharon): SATB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the unbridled energy of the original without sacrificing the clarity and blend that makes a cappella singing rewarding. This is the kind of piece where students feel like they're performing something genuinely current and fun, not a watered-down novelty arrangement. The rhythmic sophistication and vocal percussion opportunities give even experienced singers something substantial to sink their teeth into.

Pure, unapologetic fun. The piece has momentum built into its DNA, with the kind of infectious groove that makes audiences instinctively want to move. There's a lightness and joy here, combined with just enough rhythmic and harmonic complexity to keep musicians on their toes.

Choirs of all levels will connect with this piece, though it works especially well for programs that value contemporary repertoire and want to keep students engaged with music they actually listen to. Deke Sharon's arrangement is accessible enough for developing ensembles but rewarding enough for advanced singers seeking modern a cappella challenges.

• Lock the syncopated rhythms between parts before worrying about blend. The groove is what sells this piece; precision in the rhythmic hits will naturally tighten your overall sound.
• Treat the vocal percussion as another melodic voice rather than mere accompaniment. A clear, articulate beatbox pattern gives the whole arrangement its pocket and forward momentum.
• Push the energy through the bridge without losing control of dynamics. This arrangement likely builds significantly; resist the urge to sing louder at the expense of tone quality.
• Record sections separately and have students listen to how their voice part sits within the full arrangement. Many will hear harmonies for the first time and adjust their intonation accordingly.

Open a spring concert with this for an immediate energy boost that sets the tone for the entire evening. It also works beautifully as a palate cleanser between heavier classical selections, or as the closer to a set of contemporary works. Programs exploring pop and rock literature will find this both musically substantial and genuinely entertaining.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
• Vocal percussion techniques and integration with harmonic parts
• A cappella blend and intonation without instrumental support
• Rhythmic precision in contemporary/pop idioms
• Energy management across extended, groove-based phrases