Thankful (arr. Mark Hayes): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Josh Groban / Arranged by Mark Hayes
Item: 35-PK00301837
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Description
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More about this title
About the Artist: Josh Groban
Josh Groban is a classically trained vocalist whose career bridges classical, pop, and musical theater worlds. His crossover appeal and expressive interpretations have made him a fixture in choral and instrumental arrangements designed for educational settings, where his recorded versions serve as reference recordings for student singers.
Why we love this
Mark Hayes' orchestration transforms a contemporary song into genuine choral repertoire without losing its emotional accessibility. The arrangement balances rich harmonic writing with vocal lines that sit naturally in student ranges, giving your ensemble a piece that sounds polished and substantial without requiring advanced musicianship.
What to expect
The piece unfolds with warmth and sincerity, the orchestration supporting rather than overwhelming the voices. As the harmonies deepen and the arrangement builds, there is a sense of collective expression, inviting the listener into a moment of reflection and gratitude.
Who it's for
This works for mixed or upper-level treble choirs seeking a contemporary piece with genuine substance and an inspirational message. It suits ensembles preparing holiday programs or spring concert offerings where a well-known artist's popular song adds accessibility without sacrificing artistry.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the recorded accompaniment against your singers' volume during early rehearsals; once the vocal lines are secure, gradually reduce the track to build independence.
- Shape the phrases according to the text's emotional arc rather than strict metric divisions. Where the lyrics suggest gratitude or reflection, allow slight tempo flexibility to let the words land.
- Assign individual singers or small groups to double certain instrumental lines during rehearsal. This strengthens understanding of the orchestration and creates more cohesive blend when the full ensemble sings.
- Spend extra time on any modulations or key changes within the arrangement; Mark Hayes often uses these moments for emotional lift, and precise intonation at transitions keeps the effect intact.
How to use it
Anchor a holiday concert's second half with this piece, positioning it between more uptempo selections to give the audience a chance to settle into reflection. The 5:15 duration allows it to stand alone meaningfully, or you might pair it with another gratitude-themed choral work as a short thematic sequence.
Skills your students will build
- Voice leading in four-part harmonic writing
- Singing against recorded accompaniment while maintaining independence
- Interpretive phrasing based on lyrical content
- Intonation accuracy across key modulations
- Blending individual voice parts into unified ensemble texture