That's What Friends Are For: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
Words and music by Carole Bayer Sager and Burt Bacharach / arr. Alan Billingsley
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0007644
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
One moment…
Description
Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Gladys Knight combined their talents to bring us this extraordinary song created by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. This new choral setting from Alan Billingsley captures all the sounds of the original hit recording.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0007644
More about this title
About the Composer: Carole Bayer Sager
Carole Bayer Sager is a lyricist and composer whose career spans five decades of popular music, film, and theater. Her partnership with composer Burt Bacharach produced some of the most recognizable melodies in American popular music, including "That's What Friends Are For," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Sager's gift for crafting emotionally direct lyrics that connect with broad audiences has made her work a staple in both commercial songwriting and educational choral settings.
Why we love this
Alan Billingsley's arrangement preserves the warmth and accessibility of this beloved duet while making it work beautifully for three-part mixed choirs. The moderate difficulty level means students can focus on the emotional authenticity of the song rather than wrestling with complex voice leading, and the recorded accompaniment gives singers a clear reference for the iconic harmonic movement.
What to expect
Warm, conversational, and genuinely affectionate. Bacharach's sophisticated harmonies give the arrangement a polished sheen without feeling slick or overdone. Singers experience the intimate quality of a duet rendered as ensemble music, creating moments of real vulnerability and connection.
Who it's for
Choirs with moderate sight-reading skills who want to connect with their singers and audiences through a contemporary pop standard. This arrangement works equally well for high school choirs, adult community choirs, and church music programs seeking accessible repertoire with genuine emotional depth.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody between soprano and alto lines so neither dominates; this is an ensemble moment, not a solo feature. Check that your second voice part has enough presence to support the harmonic structure.
- Anchor the piece with consistent, lyrical phrasing in the baritone part. These lower voices establish the warmth that defines the arrangement, so encourage singers to stay engaged even when holding block harmonies.
- Use the recorded accompaniment in early rehearsals to establish the harmonic language, which comes straight from Bacharach's sophisticated pop writing. Once voices are secure, rehearse a cappella to build independence.
How to use it
Place this in a pop or contemporary choral set where it anchors the emotional center of your program. It pairs naturally with other accessible pop standards or creates a touching standalone moment in a more traditional concert. Consider programming it alongside repertoire that highlights ensemble singing rather than featuring soloists.
Skills your students will build
- Singing sustained harmonic passages with focused blend and tone
- Interpreting pop-influenced phrasing and lyrical line shaping
- Responding to recorded accompaniment while maintaining independent vocal parts
- Creating expressive communication of text that balances vulnerability with ensemble cohesion