The Times They Are A-Changin' (arr. Kirby Shaw): SSA Choral Octavo
The Times They Are A-Changin' (arr. Kirby Shaw) Sheet Music Preview

The Times They Are A-Changin' (arr. Kirby Shaw): SSA Choral Octavo

As performed by Bob Dylan / Arranged by Kirby Shaw

Item: 35-DS01666675
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 9
SKU: 35-DS01666675

More about this title

About the Artist: Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan emerged from the American folk tradition to become one of the most consequential songwriters of the 20th century. His ability to distill social and political urgency into memorable melodies set him apart from his contemporaries and established a template for how popular music could carry meaningful lyrical weight.

For choral directors, Dylan's catalog offers rich material for teaching students how folk idioms translate across ensemble contexts. His songs reward close attention to text, and arrangements like this one unlock the emotional core of his writing for singers of varying abilities.

Why we love this

Kirby Shaw's SSA arrangement captures the anthem quality of this Dylan classic while making it accessible to the majority of your singers. The nine pages give you enough substance to develop real musicality without demanding virtuosity; this is an arrangement that sounds powerful without requiring extended ranges or complex harmony.

What to expect

The song carries an inherent urgency and forward momentum. Even in a quieter moment, there's an undercurrent of purpose; students will feel the weight of the text and the rallying cry at its heart.

Who it's for

This arrangement works for high school and community choirs of mixed experience levels. It suits groups looking for repertoire with contemporary relevance and strong melodic hooks that singers will actually want to perform.

How to get the most out of it

  • Anchor the text delivery. The lyric's directness is what carries the song, so prioritize clarity of diction and natural phrasing over overly polished vocal production.
  • Build the dynamic arc gradually across the piece. Let the arrangement reveal itself rather than starting at full volume; this gives you room to grow the sound and energy toward the final statement.
  • Pay attention to any divisi moments. Even in SSA voicing, balance between parts matters, especially if the arrangement doubles certain voices for harmonic fullness.

How to use it

Consider this for a concert exploring social themes in popular music, or as a modern counterpoint to traditional folk arrangements. It also works well as a showcase for your SSA voices in a mixed repertoire program, offering something contemporary that audiences recognize immediately.

Skills your students will build

  • Text interpretation and dramatic phrasing in popular music contexts
  • Balancing folklike simplicity with ensemble precision
  • Managing part independence in SSA voicing
  • Sustaining vocal energy and momentum across longer phrases

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