Sing A Song (arr. Kirby Shaw): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the infectious groove and rhythmic drive of the original while making it genuinely singable for developing singers. The 2-part voicing opens this funk classic to groups that might otherwise skip it, and students will recognize a song with real cultural weight and undeniable energy.

Pure joy with a strong pulse. The arrangement channels the original's celebratory spirit while staying grounded in a locked, danceable groove that invites movement and engagement. Singers feel the forward momentum from measure one.

Any choir looking to expand beyond traditional pop arrangements into genuine funk repertoire. This works equally well for middle school groups seeking accessible fun material and high school ensembles wanting to sharpen their rhythmic vocabulary and groove awareness.

• Anchor the rhythmic feel by having singers subdivide internally even when holding notes; the funk pocket depends on everyone understanding where the beat lives, not just marking time.
• Layer the arrangement gradually in rehearsal. Start with one part alone to establish the groove, then add the second part so singers hear how the lines interlock rather than compete.
• Emphasize the syncopated articulations. Crisp consonants on the backbeats and syncopated figures give the arrangement its character and keep the energy lifted.

Drop this into a spring or pops concert to energize the second half, or pair it with other funk or R&B arrangements to build a thematic set that speaks to contemporary music students care about. The 10-page length makes it manageable for groups juggling multiple spring commitments.

• Singing syncopated rhythms accurately against a steady pulse
• Part independence while maintaining groove feel
• Funk and pop articulation (crisp consonants, rhythmic clarity)
• Listening for and locking into the backbeat
• Reading and performing 2-part music with rhythmic precision