Stitches (arr. Brandy Kay Riha): SATB Choral Octavo

Brandy Kay Riha's arrangement captures the song's introspective quality while giving each voice line something substantial to sing. The a cappella setting strips away production layers and forces singers to find the emotional core of the piece, making it rewarding for groups that can handle the interpretive demands.

Intimate and reflective, with the vulnerability of four voices holding the emotional weight. The arrangement preserves the song's tender introspection while allowing choral color and blend to deepen its impact.

Choirs with solid intonation skills and comfort with contemporary repertoire will find this arrangement accessible and dramatically satisfying. It works for groups ranging from high school select ensembles through community and collegiate choirs seeking current material with artistic substance.

• Balance the melodic line so it registers clearly over the harmonic voices; many pop arrangements blur the melody into the texture, but this one deserves precision.
• Treat rests as intentional architectural moments rather than gaps. The phrasing in this arrangement likely depends on strategic silence.
• Pay attention to vowel consistency across the SATB blend, especially in sustained harmony sections where tuning vulnerability is highest without instrumental support.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements for a concert segment that speaks to student musicians and audiences alike. Its emotional landscape makes it a strong closer for a set or a centerpiece in a program exploring vulnerability and connection.

• Sustaining intonation without harmonic instrument support
• Balancing individual line integrity with ensemble blend
• Interpreting contemporary vocal music with classical choral technique
• Managing dynamic control across a cappella texture