Tell Her About It (arr. Jack Zaino): SATB Choral Octavo

Jack Zaino's arrangement captures the infectious energy and rhythmic swagger of this 1983 hit while keeping the vocal writing singable for mixed ensembles. The chart sits at a sweet spot where pop sensibility meets choral craftmanship, giving your students a genuinely fun piece that doesn't compromise musicianship.

Playful and energetic, with the kind of rhythmic confidence that makes audiences want to move. There's a lightness to the piece that never dips into novelty, buoyed by the harmonic sophistication that lies beneath Joel's deceptively simple melodies.

Mixed choirs looking to program contemporary popular music without sacrificing musical quality. This arrangement works equally well for high school and college ensembles seeking repertoire that engages audiences while building ensemble technique.

• Lock into the groove early in rehearsal by establishing a strong sense of the backbeat; this isn't a ballad, so rhythmic precision and pocket awareness matter as much as blend.
• Balance the comedic bravado in the lyrics with musical control in the phrasing; let the attitude come through in articulation and dynamics rather than forcing it.
• Highlight the harmonic movement in the accompaniment during initial run-throughs so singers understand how their parts support the underlying grooves and changes.
• Work the syllabic text setting section by section to ensure clarity; pop text often sits differently on the voice than classical repertoire, so mouth shape and vowel consistency need attention.

Pair this with other upbeat contemporary pop or rock arrangements to create a concert section that showcases your choir's range and versatility. It also works wonderfully as a closer or encore number, sending audiences out with genuine energy and joy.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated patterns and backbeat awareness
• Pop phrasing and stylistic interpretation distinct from classical diction
• Harmonic listening and part independence in close voicings
• Confidence performing text with attitude and character without sacrificing vocal technique