Try a Little Tenderness: SSA Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the emotional depth of this soul classic while keeping the voicing accessible for developing SSA choirs. The trajectory toward that final chord gives singers a genuine musical payoff, transforming a familiar pop standard into a meaningful choral moment.

Soulful and intimate, this arrangement honors the original's slow-burning intensity while settling into SSA harmony. The journey builds naturally from vulnerability to a soaring final moment that leaves both singers and listeners moved.

This octavo suits SSA or SSAA choirs with intermediate to advancing sight-reading skills who want to program a contemporary pop classic with emotional substance. It works equally well for chamber choirs and larger ensembles seeking repertoire that connects with both singers and audiences.

• Shape the dynamic arc carefully through the middle section so the final chord lands with real weight and doesn't feel abrupt.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to anchor intonation during rehearsals, then gradually reduce dependence on it to build confidence.
• Allow space for breath and resonance in the slower passages; resist the urge to rush even when the tempo feels contemplative.
• Balance the alto line with care, especially where it carries important harmonic information beneath the soprano melody.

Include this in a concert exploring the soul and pop standards repertoire, pairing it with other Kirby Shaw arrangements for stylistic consistency. It also makes a compelling feature piece midway through a concert where you want to shift energy and invite the audience into deeper listening.

• Sustaining long-lined phrases at slower tempos
• Balancing three-part harmony with clear voice independence
• Responding to dynamic shaping and emotional expression
• Managing blend in the final chord to achieve resonance