Stitches (arr. Jacob Narverud): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Shawn Mendes / Arranged by Jacob Narverud
Item: 35-PK00317024
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Description
Recorded by Shawn Mendes for his debut studio album, "Handwritten" (2015), "Stitches" debuted at #11 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, and has become a YouTube sensation with an acoustic version performed with "Pitch Perfect 2"'s Hailee Steinfeld. Arranged for mixed and TBB voices, the music and text will speak to your young singers and create a popular choral ballad for any contemporary performance.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00317024
More about this title
About the Artist: Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes emerged as a chart-dominating pop artist after releasing his self-titled debut album in 2014 at just 16 years old. His ability to craft emotionally direct songs with memorable melodies has made him a consistent presence on contemporary radio and streaming platforms, with "Stitches" becoming one of his signature tracks.
For music educators, Mendes' songwriting offers accessible entry points into contemporary popular music. His melodic sensibility and straightforward harmonic language translate well to choral arrangements, making his work valuable for programs seeking repertoire that resonates with student singers.
Why we love this
Jacob Narverud's arrangement captures the emotional restraint of the original ballad while giving it the texture and depth that a full ensemble can provide. Young singers connect immediately with this song's vulnerable lyrical content, and the contemporary musical language means your students hear themselves reflected in the repertoire. You'll find that the mixed and TBB options allow real programming flexibility without sacrificing musicality.
What to expect
"Stitches" inhabits a tender emotional landscape, the kind of intimate vulnerability that resonates with young people navigating relationships and self-awareness. The arrangement honors the original's gentle power without overwhelming it, creating space for voices to convey genuine feeling rather than technical display.
Who it's for
Contemporary music programs that need repertoire connecting with student singers and audiences alike. Directors programming mixed or treble choirs will find a piece that serves equally well as a standalone ballad or as part of a modern pop medley.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the sustained textures by rehearsing the harmonic backdrop separately from any melody-bearing parts. This piece breathes through its stillness rather than momentum.
- Reference the original recording for phrasing and rhythmic nuance, but don't lock students into exact dynamics from the track; let the natural swell of voices at key moments emerge organically.
- Shape the arch carefully since the song builds subtly. Mark your score with specific dynamic targets for each section so singers understand where intensity is needed and where restraint matters.
- Use the accompaniment to anchor harmonic accuracy during rehearsals, then pull back its presence in performance to let the voices occupy more space.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a feature in a contemporary or pop-influenced concert, especially paired alongside other recent artist arrangements that signal your program's breadth. Consider it for spring concerts when audiences appreciate the shift toward lighter, more lyric-driven material after a season of standard repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long phrases with consistent breath support
- Singing contemporary popular music with artistic intention rather than imitation
- Blending and balancing mixed or treble voicings within a pop harmonic language
- Interpreting emotional subtext through dynamic and textural control