The Impossible Dream: SSAA Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes's arrangement captures the soaring idealism of the original while giving SSAA choirs the harmonic sophistication and vocal independence they crave. The flexibility to perform with piano alone or full orchestration means you can program this regardless of your accompaniment resources, and the emotional payoff is genuine every time. Directors return to this one because it consistently moves audiences and challenges singers in all the right ways.

Soaring and aspirational. The vocal writing sits in an accessible range while the harmonies create warmth and depth that builds from introspection to a triumphant resolution. You'll hear the beauty of four-part treble writing at its most convincing here.

Intermediate to advanced treble choirs with access to a capable pianist or conductor comfortable with orchestral score. This works equally well in high school concert choirs, college treble ensembles, and adult community choirs seeking Broadway repertoire with musical substance.

• Balance the melody across your soprano section so the line sings forward without overwhelming the harmonic foundation; the lower voices carry rich color that shouldn't disappear.
• Take time with phrase endings to shape the arc toward the climactic moments rather than pushing tempo throughout; letting the music breathe emphasizes the lyrical content.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse without it first so singers internalize the harmonies and develop genuine ensemble blend before adding external support.
• Highlight the orchestration parts (available separately) in your final rehearsals to hear how the arrangement translates; even a small ensemble of instruments transforms the piece's dramatic impact.

Use this as a centerpiece for a concert celebrating inspiration or perseverance, or pair it with other accessible Broadway material for a pops-style program. The twelve-page length and emotional maturity make it substantial enough for a featured spot without demanding excessive rehearsal time, and audiences recognize and respond to the tune immediately.

• Reading and singing in SSAA voicing with independent melodic lines
• Balancing melody and harmony in four-part textures
• Sustaining emotional connection through longer phrase structures
• Adjusting tone and articulation to match orchestral accompaniment
• Shaping phrasing at the ensemble level rather than as individual singers