Tell Me Something Good (arr. Kirby Shaw): Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the infectious joy and social consciousness of Wonder's original without requiring your singers to navigate impossible ranges or stylistic affectation. The three-page format makes this accessible for mixed choirs of varying ability while the underlying groove remains compelling enough to hold an audience's attention.

Funky warmth wrapped in accessibility. The arrangement maintains Wonder's signature groove while the uplifting message and singable melody invite audiences into genuine connection rather than spectacle.

Intermediate to advanced mixed choirs with the vocal confidence to handle contemporary harmonic language. This works equally well for groups performing a single concert piece or integrating a familiar title into a larger program.

• Anchor the opening phrases with steady breath support; the lyrical melody needs space to breathe even when the text moves quickly.
• Establish the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsals by isolating the accompaniment and having singers tap the beat before layering in their parts.
• Differentiate the energy between verses and the hook; restraint in the quieter moments makes the payoff sections land harder.

Program this as a second-half opener to shift mood and energy after more reserved repertoire, or use it as your spring concert finale when you want to send people out smiling. It pairs naturally with other soul and contemporary work.

• Rhythmic independence within a groove-based accompaniment
• Sustaining tone while navigating syncopated text placement
• Balancing stylistic authenticity with choral blend