Sixty Minute Man: SATB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the infectious energy and vocal interplay that made this novelty hit unforgettable, while keeping the piece accessible for mixed choirs of moderate ability. The writing celebrates what makes a cappella groups special: witty text setting, rhythmic precision, and the chance for singers to feel genuinely playful on stage. It's the rare secular piece that lands with humor and style without relying on gimmick.

Confident and celebratory, with the swinging ease of a group that knows exactly what it's doing. There's warmth in the harmonies and a wink in the lyrics that makes this feel less like a novelty and more like a genuine celebration of vocal ensemble joy.

Choirs ready to add repertoire with personality and mass appeal. This works equally well for secular ensembles looking to program something audiences remember and for mixed choirs wanting to explore the R&B vocal tradition with authenticity and fun.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the opening section before layering in harmonic complexity. These singers need to feel locked together before they can let loose with style.
• Lean into the humor of the text without overselling it. Let the clever lyrical moments land naturally through clear diction and well-shaped phrases.
• Balance the solo passages against the ensemble so individual voices emerge without disconnecting from the group sound. This piece thrives on blend even when the texture breaks apart.
• Experiment with the recorded accompaniment as both a learning tool and a performance option. Either way, make sure your singers own the material so confidently that the a cappella sound feels like the point, not the constraint.

Place this in a concert spot where the energy builds toward something bigger, or let it stand alone as the moment your audience catches its breath and remembers why they love coming to hear your singers. It pairs well alongside other a cappella repertoire or as a bridge between more classical and contemporary material.

• Maintaining rhythmic precision and ensemble cohesion in a cappella context
• Balancing solo and ensemble textures within four-part harmony
• Clear diction and articulation in rhythmically active passages
• Interpretation and communication of text with humor and intention
• Singing with stylistic authenticity in the R&B vocal tradition