There Once Was a Man: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Andy Beck's arrangement captures the comedic energy and theatrical punch of the original while tailoring it perfectly for choral forces. The call-and-response structure between men and women creates natural drama without requiring extensive staging, and the built-in hand clapping and foot stomping give every singer something physical to do. This is the kind of piece that brings genuine joy to a concert, gets audiences laughing, and reminds everyone why singing together can be genuinely fun.

Imagine a honky-tonk dance floor meets a Broadway stage, with your choir leading the charge. The piece crackles with playful competition and infectious energy, driven by clapping, stomping, and vocal sass that makes the room feel alive and celebratory.

This arrangement works for choirs that want to program something entertaining and accessible without sacrificing musical substance. It suits singers who enjoy theatrical expression and directors looking for a showstopper that engages audiences beyond the concert hall's typical repertoire.

• Commit fully to the comedic timing and the 'battle of the sexes' dynamic. The humor lands only when singers lean into the playful competitiveness with confidence.
• Keep the hand claps and foot stomps tight and synchronized across each vocal section. These moments are as important to the arrangement as the singing itself.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in the Broadway-style groove and energy. The rhythm section drive is essential to the raucous feel.

Program this as a concert closer or second-to-last number when you want to send the audience out smiling. It pairs well with more serious repertoire earlier in the program and works equally well in pops concerts, spring concerts, or community performances where accessibility and fun are priorities.

• Rhythmic precision in ensemble hand clapping and foot stomping
• Theatrical delivery and comedic timing within a choral context
• Secure part-singing within a call-and-response structure
• Maintaining energy and projection through a high-energy, rhythmically driven arrangement