That's When The Music Takes Me: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Neil Sedaka / Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK00160587
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About the Composer: Neil Sedaka
Neil Sedaka built his songwriting reputation in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a Brill Building composer and performer. His catalog spans infectious pop hits, sophisticated melodies, and genuine musicianship that appeal across generations. By the time he wrote "That's When The Music Takes Me" in 1972, Sedaka had already established himself as a craftsman who understood how to blend accessibility with musical substance.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures everything that made the original infectious while giving your ensemble real choreographic freedom. The combo voicing keeps energy high without overwhelming smaller groups, and the 3:35 duration hits that sweet spot for concert pacing. This is the kind of feel-good standard that reminds audiences why they love live performance.
What to expect
Sunlit and buoyant, with that unmistakable 1970s pop sheen that somehow feels timeless. The arrangement invites performers to have genuine fun while maintaining musical integrity, striking that rare balance between entertainment and artistry.
Who it's for
Choirs comfortable with pop repertoire and ready to engage audiences with performance elements. This works equally well for high school show choirs, community theater ensembles, and college vocal jazz groups looking for a crowd-pleaser.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the opening groove early in rehearsal so the rhythm section locks in tight; the nostalgic energy depends on precision underneath the joy
- Emphasize the vowel shapes on repeated melodic phrases to keep the pop sensibility clear rather than letting it drift into classical territory
- Plan choreography that lets singers breathe between sections; this arrangement rewards movement without sacrificing vocal line clarity
How to use it
Use this as a palate cleanser in a concert that mixes classical and contemporary work, or anchor it as the centerpiece of a pop-standards set. The choreography-friendly arrangement also makes it ideal for spring concerts or end-of-year celebrations where you want to send audiences home smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Performing pop stylization with clear diction and phrase shaping
- Coordinating ensemble vocals with choreographed movement
- Understanding combo voicing balance and blend
- Interpreting rhythmic precision in a contemporary idiom