That'll Be The Day: TTBB Choral Octavo
That'll Be The Day Sheet Music Preview

That'll Be The Day: TTBB Choral Octavo

As performed by Buddy Holly / As performed by Norman Petty / As performed by Jerry Allison / As performed by Anne Raugh / Arranged by Deke Sharon

Item: 35-DS00299580
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 7
SKU: 35-DS00299580

More about this title

About the Artist: Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly stands as one of rock and roll's foundational figures, a guitarist and singer whose work in the mid-1950s shaped the genre's sound and possibilities. His innovative recording techniques, hiccupping vocal style, and gift for crafting infectious melodies influenced generations of musicians across multiple genres. Holly's catalog remains remarkably singable and accessible to student musicians, making his compositions ideal for choral exploration.

Why we love this

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the infectious energy of this early rock classic while making it genuinely achievable for a cappella groups. The vocal lines sit comfortably across the flexible TTBB voicing options, and the harmonic simplicity never feels thin. Directors get a piece that sounds polished in performance while remaining fun to rehearse, with built-in audience recognition that energizes concert programs.

What to expect

Bright and buoyant, with the casual swagger of 1950s rock and roll translated into vocal harmony. The piece bounces along with infectious charm, delivering that satisfying blend of harmonic simplicity and rhythmic drive that made the original so memorable.

Who it's for

Any a cappella ensemble seeking repertoire that audiences instantly recognize and singers enjoy performing. The flexible voicing makes it accessible to developing groups while remaining satisfying for more experienced ensembles.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsal by isolating the supporting voices (bass and baritone) so they anchor the melody line without overwhelming it.
  • Emphasize the crisp articulation on repeated syllables to capture the original recording's percussive quality and maintain rhythmic precision across all sections.
  • Experiment with dynamic shaping that lets the melody breathe; this isn't a song that benefits from relentless intensity throughout.
  • Balance blend against clarity in the upper voices, especially where parts move in parallel motion, so the arrangement's design reads to the listener.

How to use it

Schedule this as an opener or encore on a concert that needs an instant jolt of energy and familiarity. It pairs well with other classic rock covers or lighter contemporary material, and works equally effectively on pops programs as a bridge between school musical theater and concert repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining consistent rhythmic integrity in homophonic textures
  • Balancing melody projection with supportive harmonic voices
  • Executing tight articulation and diction in syncopated rhythms
  • Reading flexible voicing conventions (TB/TTB/TBB/TTBB options)
  • Styling early rock and roll idioms through phrasing and dynamics

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