Sing A Song Of Sixpence (arr. John Leavitt): SAB Choral Octavo

Leavitt respects the nursery rhyme while refusing to make it cute or oversimplified. This arrangement hits that sweet spot where a piece can sound polished and intentional in a concert setting without requiring virtuosic singers, making it a smart choice for building ensemble confidence and demonstrating that familiar material deserves serious musical attention.

Playful and unpretentious, with an invitation to enjoy the text for what it is. There's lightness here, but Leavitt's arranging ensures the harmonic and rhythmic writing keeps singers engaged and the ensemble sounding intentional.

This works for mixed choirs at the middle school through community choir level, including those still building confidence in three part singing. It's equally suited for directors seeking a contest piece with novelty appeal or a concert piece that engages audiences without sacrificing musicianship.

• Pay attention to the natural storytelling arc. This isn't recitation; shape the musical phrases to highlight the narrative momentum from opening to close.
• Balance clarity in the SAB texture by ensuring the sopranos carry the line without dominating. The altos and basses should feel like partners, not accompaniment.
• Consider whether this works better as a palate cleanser between heavier pieces or as a clever closer that leaves the audience smiling. Context changes how you approach the energy.

Slot this into a concert program where you want to shift mood and energy without dropping to camp. It also works as a memorable contest piece that stands out from more traditional repertoire while remaining accessible to judges and audiences alike.

• Balancing melody and harmony in three part mixed voicing
• Phrasing lyrical material with text awareness
• Ensemble blend and balance across different register combinations
• Confidence performing familiar material in an arranged context