Somebody's Got Your Back Sheet Music Preview

Somebody's Got Your Back: 2-Part Choral Octavo

As performed by Alan Menken / As performed by Chad Beguelin / Arranged by Mark Brymer

Item: 35-DS00302178

Digital Download
$2.99
Description

Somebody's Got Your Back: 2-Part Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 11
SKU: 35-DS00302178

More about this title

About the Artist: Alan Menken

Alan Menken stands among the most prolific composers in contemporary musical theater, with a catalog spanning Broadway, film, and animated features. His partnership with lyricist Chad Beguelin has produced some of the most singable, character-driven songs in modern musical comedy, marked by clever wordplay and melodies that lodge themselves instantly in the listener's ear.

In education settings, Menken's work offers directors repertoire that engages students through wit and theatrical storytelling while remaining accessible across skill levels. His arrangements and compositions have become staples in school choral programs precisely because they balance musicality with the kind of fun that keeps young singers invested.

Why we love this

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures all the comedic lift and charm of the original while scaling it perfectly for developing choirs. The 2-part voicing avoids the thickness that sometimes bogs down ensemble singing at this level, giving each voice line room to breathe and shine. Your singers will grab onto this immediately, both musically and emotionally.

What to expect

Buoyant and playful, with a modern pop sensibility that feels current without chasing trends. The melody bounces with energy, and the lyrics lean into comedy in a way that makes singers smile the moment they understand the joke. It's uplifting without being saccharine.

Who it's for

Elementary and middle school choirs, beginning high school ensembles, and any director looking for a contemporary pop-Broadway crossover that doesn't sacrifice musical substance. This works beautifully for singers aged 9 to 15 who respond to humor and theatrical narrative.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the comedic timing crisp. The humor lives in rhythmic clarity and articulation, so lock down the rhythms in sectionals before worrying about blend.
  • Lean into character work. Have your singers think about who is singing and what they actually want from the moment. The text will sit differently once singers own the dramatic stakes.
  • Balance the parts so neither voice drowns the other. With 2-part writing this straightforward, the tendency is for the upper part to pull focus. Work for equilibrium in rehearsal.
  • Take the recorded accompaniment seriously in your early run-throughs. It anchors intonation and gives your singers confidence while they're learning the material.

How to use it

Pair this with other contemporary Broadway selections on a spring concert, or use it as your opener to set a lighter tone before moving into more serious repertoire. It's equally effective as a standalone feature during a pop or musical theater showcase. The 11-page length keeps rehearsal time reasonable, making it ideal for directors juggling multiple pieces.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic clarity and articulation in pop-influenced idioms
  • Reading and executing 2-part voicing with textural independence
  • Comic timing and dramatic intention in text delivery
  • Intonation control when singing against contemporary accompaniment styles
  • Ensemble blend without sacrificing individual voice projection

You May Also Like