The Best (Simply The Best) (arr. Hans Reintjes): SATB Choral Octavo

Hans Reintjes has captured the unstoppable momentum and defiant spirit of this anthem in a way that works genuinely well for ensemble singing. The arrangement preserves what makes the song a cultural touchstone while giving your singers clear, singable lines that don't require them to belt beyond their comfortable range. Your choir will connect immediately with material this recognizable, and audiences respond with energy the moment they hear those opening notes.

Strutting confidence mixed with defiance. The arrangement carries an infectious rhythmic swagger that makes singers feel like they're part of something triumphant, even in the softer moments. There's joy in the accessibility of the melody alongside the genuine power of the harmonic support underneath.

Choirs building confidence with contemporary secular music and singers who thrive on repertoire with immediate cultural resonance. This works well for mixed ensembles at the intermediate level who are ready to tackle material beyond traditional choral standards without needing advanced vocal maturity or technique.

• Shape the dynamic arc deliberately; resist the urge to go full volume right away. The song's power comes from building intensity across phrases, so mark your peak moments early and protect the softer sections as genuine contrasts.
• Lock the articulation on consonants as a section before rehearsing with the accompaniment. The rhythmic tightness of this arrangement depends on singers matching how they land their "t" and "d" sounds.
• Consider how your soloists or section leaders will carry the melodic line with personality; this style demands conviction and presence rather than perfect classical technique, so encourage singers to own their part of the story.
• Balance the pop sensibility with choir blend. The recording is punchy and rhythmically driven, but your ensemble will sound best when singers listen to each other rather than pushing individual voices forward.

Pair this with one or two other contemporary or pop arrangements to create a segment that connects with younger audiences and lightens your concert pacing. It works particularly well as a second-half opener when you want to shift energy and remind your singers (and listeners) that choral music belongs in every genre.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop idioms
• Maintaining blend while singing with contemporary vocal production
• Dynamic control across extended phrases
• Collaborative listening in ensemble settings with driving accompaniment
• Text expression in non-legit vocal styles