This Will Be (An Everlasting Love): SATB Choral Octavo

Greg Gilpin's arrangement captures the infectious swagger of the original without requiring a rhythm section to drive it. The energy is built into the voice writing itself—stacked harmonies, rhythmic precision, and genuine movement in all four parts keep singers engaged and audiences in their seats. This is the kind of piece where your choir sounds like they're having as much fun as the audience watching them.

Pure joy wrapped in a tight groove. The piece radiates optimism and confidence, with a rhythmic drive that makes you want to move. Singers feel the lift of block harmonies and the satisfaction of executing tight rhythmic passages together, while the familiar melody ensures audiences connect immediately.

Choirs at the intermediate to advanced level who want uplifting, contemporary repertoire with genuine musical substance. This works equally well for show choirs, jazz choirs, and traditional a cappella groups looking to add gospel-influenced pop to their repertoire.

• Keep the rhythmic pulse crisp and forward throughout. The groove lives in precise articulation and rhythmic clarity across all four voices, not in behind-the-beat phrasing.
• Balance the soprano line against the lower voices, especially in sections where the melody sits above block harmony. The tune needs to ring through without drowning out the supporting harmony.
• Shape the dynamics across entire phrases rather than dwelling on individual syllables. This gospel-style arrangement rewards generous, sweeping gestures that match the emotional arc of the text.
• If using recorded accompaniment, ensure your choir has locked the key and tempo in rehearsal before adding it. The accompaniment sets a specific groove that requires confidence from your singers.

Program this as a concert brightener in the second half of your show, where it will energize both singers and listeners after a set of more introspective pieces. Its 12-page format and accessibility make it a strong choice for spring concerts, pops concerts, or any program that celebrates contemporary American music.

• Gospel rhythmic phrasing and syncopation
• Balancing melody against sustained harmony voices
• Executing tight rhythmic unison across all four parts
• Navigating block chord voicings with blend and balance
• Shaping longer phrases with dynamic momentum