The Square Root of Possible: SAB Choral Octavo

Alan Billingsley's arrangement gives this anthem real architectural detail. The SAB voicing breathes naturally across three parts without sacrificing harmonic sophistication, and the lyrics work powerfully in any season, giving you genuine year-round programming flexibility beyond the holiday connection. The theatrical energy is infectious without requiring elaborate staging.

The piece radiates purposeful optimism. There's a modern pop sensibility in the harmonic language and rhythmic drive, paired with soaring melodic moments that feel genuinely triumphant rather than saccharine. The overall effect is energizing and uplifting without veering into sentimentality.

This works beautifully for SAB choirs seeking contemporary material with genuine substance. Groups at the intermediate to advanced high school level will find the writing accessible, while strong middle school ensembles can absolutely succeed here with attentive rehearsal.

• Anchor the piece with confident articulation in the rhythm section during rehearsals. The contemporary pop groove depends on precise rhythmic clarity from all parts, so lock the timing early.
• Shape the dynamic arc gradually across the second half of the piece rather than hitting the peak and holding it. Choirs often plateau too early with material this energetic.
• Encourage singers to commit to the conversational, almost spoken phrasing in the opening section before the music swells. This contrast makes the final buildup land with real impact.
• If performing with piano alone, ensure your accompanist brings rhythmic vitality to the supporting figures. The SoundTrax recording provides a useful reference for energy and articulation.

Open a concert with this to set an immediately engaging, forward-moving tone. Its theatrical confidence also makes it a strong finale if your program leans contemporary. The non-holiday lyrical content means you're not restricted to winter concerts, so consider it for spring or fall performance dates as well.

• Rhythmic clarity in contemporary pop idioms
• Balancing energy and musicality across a building dynamic arc
• Three-part voicing independence with harmonic awareness
• Theatrical expression and text emphasis in modern song styles