Sugar (arr. Wayne Grimmer): SSAA Choral Octavo

Wayne Grimmer's arrangement captures the irresistible momentum of this hit while keeping the voicing accessible for developing SSAA choirs. The barbershop idiom brings rhythmic snap and harmonic color to a song your singers already know and love, making this both immediately engaging and musically rewarding to perform.

Buoyant and groovy, with the kind of propulsive energy that makes audiences perk up. The barbershop treatment adds harmonic sweetness and rhythmic precision that feels both modern and slightly retro, creating a satisfying textural contrast to typical choral fare.

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that excites singers while offering genuine musical challenge will find this arrangement rewarding. It works equally well for secular high school and college ensembles, community groups, and treble choirs looking to expand beyond traditional seasonal programming.

• Keep the rhythm section rock solid. The groove drives everything; lock in the pulse first, then layer the vocal lines on top.
• Shape the melody with the pop phrasing from the original rather than classical legit singing. Let the natural speech rhythms of the lyrics guide your interpretation.
• Balance soprano and alto lines carefully so the hook stays clear without drowning out supporting harmonies.
• Build energy across the form. Treat early sections as setup for the payoff moments where the full voicing comes together.

Position this where you need an audience favorite that still showcases serious musicianship. It pairs well on contemporary or pop-themed concerts, and the 16-page score suggests it can anchor a program segment without overshadowing lighter complementary pieces.

• Rhythmic precision in a groove-based context
• Balancing melodic independence with ensemble blend
• Phrasing contemporary popular music authentically
• Reading and executing barbershop harmonic movement
• Sustaining energy and style consistency over repeated sections