The Beat Goes On Cover Image

The Beat Goes On: Choral SoundPax

$35.00 USD
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The Beat Goes On Cover Image

The Beat Goes On: Choral SoundPax

Words and music by Sonny Bono [Sonny & Cher] / arr. Greg Gilpin

Item: 00-39890

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Description
Sonny & Cher hit the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967 with this groovy song and its easily recognizable bass line. A terrific choice for a concert theme, it's sure to leave your audience wanting more (or singing along)! "La, dee, da, dee, da . . . "

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Beat Goes On: Choral SoundPax comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 20
UPC: 038081445519
SKU: 00-39890
Instrumentation: SoundPax

More about this title

About the Composer: Sonny Bono

Sonny Bono (1935-1998) was a singer, songwriter, and television personality who shaped pop music in the 1960s alongside his wife and musical partner, Cher. As a composer and producer, he crafted infectious melodies and distinctive arrangements that became cultural touchstones, working both as a performer and behind the scenes to develop the signature sound of the Sonny & Cher era.

Beyond his recording career, Bono's gift for accessible, catchy songwriting made his work ideal for choral adaptation. His compositions translate remarkably well to ensemble settings because they balance melodic memorability with rhythmic precision, qualities that serve students learning to balance individual lines with group cohesion.

Why we love this

This arrangement taps into genuine nostalgia without feeling dated. Greg Gilpin has preserved the iconic bass line that makes the song instantly recognizable while building in parts that let singers own the melody. Directors choose this for programs that need energy and audience engagement, especially when a theme calls for music that bridges generations or celebrates pop music's place in concert.

What to expect

Effortlessly groovy and warm, with the kind of infectious rhythm that makes audiences move in their seats. The arrangement captures the carefree spirit of 1960s pop while maintaining the harmonic sophistication that keeps singers engaged and challenged.

Who it's for

High school and middle school choirs looking for contemporary pop literature with broad appeal. This works equally well for concert programs, pop-themed festivals, or directors seeking material that energizes singers while keeping arrangements singable across mixed ability levels.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the pulse locked from the opening phrase. This song lives in its groove, so ensemble precision on the beat and the distinctive rhythm pattern drives the entire performance.
  • Balance the melodic line so it floats over the harmonic foundation without overshadowing the bass line's driving presence.
  • Lean into the pop sensibility with clear diction on the iconic "La, dee, da, dee, da" figures; these vocal hooks need crisp articulation to land.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment to internalize the groove during rehearsal, then pull back volume in performance so the chorus becomes the focal point.

How to use it

Schedule this for moments when your program needs a momentum shift. It pairs beautifully in pop-themed concerts, works as an excellent closer for lighter programs, or stands alone as a perfect selection for showcasing how contemporary choral arranging can honor classic pop songwriting.

Skills your students will build

  • Ensemble rhythm accuracy in syncopated pop grooves
  • Balance between melody and supporting harmonic parts
  • Pop diction and phrasing at tempo
  • Sectional independence while maintaining unified ensemble sound

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