The Do's And Don'ts Of The Audience: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Mac Huff's arrangement captures the humor and heart of Jacobson's concept without talking down to young singers. The two-part voicing remains accessible while offering enough musical substance to keep rehearsals engaging, and the lyrical wit makes it a genuine pleasure to teach rather than just another piece to get through.

Witty and warm, this piece carries the conversational energy of someone offering practical wisdom with a knowing smile. The two-part writing keeps things light and accessible while maintaining genuine musicality, creating the sense that your singers are in on a joke they actually want to share with the audience.

Two-part choirs at the middle school through early high school level will find this arrangement both musically satisfying and genuinely fun to perform. Directors looking for concert repertoire that engages audiences while maintaining educational value will appreciate how Jacobson's playful concept translates into teachable moments around ensemble responsibility.

• Establish clear character from the opening phrase; the comedic timing depends on ensemble cohesion, not individual showiness.
• Balance the message delivery with musical line; prioritize clarity of text without sacrificing legit vocal production.
• Shape phrases with deliberate dynamics to amplify the humor and create contrast between different 'rules' presented in the piece.

Slot this into a concert as a palate-cleansing moment between heavier or more dramatic selections. It works particularly well in a program exploring themes of community and character, or as a finale that sends the audience home with something memorable and uplifting.

• Rhythmic precision in conversational, speech-like phrasing
• Balancing diction clarity with sustained legit singing
• Ensemble blend and synchronized articulation across two parts
• Musical interpretation of comedic intent and timing