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

Greg Gilpin's arrangement captures the irresistible energy of the original recording without oversimplifying the harmonic language. The SSA voicing sits comfortably for mixed-age choirs while maintaining the groove and soulful character that make this song instantly recognizable to audiences. Singers stay engaged from downbeat to final cadence because the writing genuinely swings.

Pure joy wrapped in a forward-moving gospel swing. The harmonic language feels warm and sophisticated without being inaccessible; the SSA voicing opens up space for each part to shine individually and blend seamlessly. From the first moment, this arrangement insists that the listener believe in the promise: this love is real, and it's happening now.

High school and adult community choirs seeking contemporary sacred and secular repertoire with genuine groove and soul. Singers with basic ensemble experience who want to connect with material that feels current and culturally rooted in R&B and gospel traditions.

• Treat the rhythm section as a living, breathing ensemble element rather than mere accompaniment. Lock the groove with the recorded track so the piano, bass, and drums become conversation partners, not a metronome.
• Shape the phrase "This will be the one I've waited for" with natural legit, letting each voice line breathe into the next. The excitement comes from commitment to the arc, not rushing the tempo.
• Balance the alto part carefully in measures where it carries the countermelody or harmonic foundation. Altos should hear themselves as essential to the fullness, not subordinate.
• Explore dynamic contrast between the verses and the climactic passages. The recorded accompaniment supports both intimate moments and big belt sections; use this flexibility to build shape.

Reserve this for a spring or early summer concert where you want to shift the emotional temperature toward celebration and affirmation. It pairs naturally with other soul and pop standards, or it can anchor a set exploring love songs across genres. The recorded accompaniment makes it a strong choice for smaller choirs that lack full piano and rhythm section resources.

• Syncopated rhythm and swing phrasing in a pop/gospel context
• Voice leading in close harmony (SSA voicing with overlapping ranges)
• Coordination with recorded accompaniment and rhythm section groove
• Dynamic contrast and shaping within a consistently energetic tempo
• Stylistic authenticity in R&B and soul performance practice