Take on Me (arr. Roger Emerson): Choral Instrumental Pak

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures what makes Pentatonix's version so compelling: the synth elements of the original become vocal textures and effects rather than instruments. Your singers get to perform the iconic arpeggios and electronic flourishes with their voices, making every section feel like a soloist. The flexibility to perform a cappella or add rhythm tracks means it works for both your stripped-down concert set and your fully produced show.

Glossy, energetic, and deceptively intricate. The familiar melody sits above layers of vocal effects that shimmer and move, creating the sense of a full production emerging from voices alone. It's fun and contemporary without losing musicianship.

Choirs and vocal groups comfortable with contemporary pop repertoire and ready to tackle vocal percussion and layered arranging. This works for groups that blend classical discipline with pop sensibility, or for directors looking to program something their students already know and love.

• Lock in the vocal percussion patterns early in rehearsal. These provide the rhythmic foundation that typically comes from drums, and precision here makes everything else click into place.
• Isolate the high synth line that carries the melody in the second verse. Even when other voices provide counterpoint, this line must cut through clearly.
• Experiment with the dynamic shape of the arrangement in rehearsal before deciding whether to use accompaniment. The a cappella version rewards careful balance work and reveals the arranging detail.
• Pay attention to vowel consistency across the stack when voices sustain the pad-like harmonies. Small shifts in vowel shape blur the intended harmonic color.

Pair this with other Pentatonix arrangements or contemporary a cappella repertoire for a concert segment that connects with student interests. It's equally at home in a spring pop concert or as an encore that shows off your ensemble's versatility after a more classical first half.

• Vocal percussion coordination (kick, snare, hi-hat patterns)
• Layered harmonic thinking and voice balance in complex stacks
• Sustaining pitch while producing percussive effects
• Contemporary vocal production and tone colors
• Confidence performing familiar pop material with artistic integrity