Sweet: Choral SoundPax

Warren and arranger Alan Billingsley have created something genuinely fun to conduct and sing. The minor-key R&B groove feels contemporary without requiring extensive vocal percussion or movement choreography, and the variety of voicings means you're not locked into a single choir size or ability level. This is the kind of piece that energizes a rehearsal and sounds polished quickly.

A warm, soulful groove wrapped in optimistic energy. The minor key gives it sophistication and depth, but the melody is infectious and the harmonic movement is straightforward, creating a piece that feels both modern and immediately singable. There's genuine joy in the message and the musicality matches it.

This octavo works for middle school through adult choirs seeking contemporary repertoire with broad appeal and accessible voicing options. It's especially suited to ensembles that want to program pop or R&B-influenced music without stepping outside a traditional octavo format.

• Lock the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsal. The R&B groove only grooves if the ensemble feels confident with the underlying pulse; work the rhythm section parts (or recorded accompaniment) separately before full-choir runs.
• Emphasize vowel consistency in the sustained harmonic moments. Minor-key writing can sound thin if singers aren't unified on vowel shape, especially in passages where the melody rests.
• Shape the melody with subtle dynamic waves rather than static volume. The earworm quality depends on hearing the tune clearly, so let soloists or melody-section singers bring shape and breath to the line.
• Explore the recorded accompaniment early to hear how Batiste and Pentatonix approach the groove, then decide whether your arrangement will mirror or offer an alternative interpretation.

Program this alongside other contemporary secular choral work in a pop or show choir concert, or use it as a set opener that establishes an upbeat, accessible tone. Its positive message and groovy character make it effective for community concerts, spring concerts, or any program where you want to showcase your ensemble's ability to command a contemporary sound.

• Singing in minor keys with harmonic clarity
• Maintaining a steady rhythmic pocket in R&B-influenced grooves
• Blending multiple voicing parts within the same ensemble
• Interpreting contemporary pop and R&B phrasing in choral context
• Singing with stylistic authenticity to genre and emotional intent