Umbrella (arr. Jo Annemans): SSMAA Choral Octavo

Jo Annemans has crafted an arrangement that captures the playful energy of The Baseballs' viral recording while remaining singable for student choirs. The SSMAA voicing opens doors for ensembles with limited alto depth, and the a cappella format means no accompanist dependencies. This is the kind of contemporary material that energizes rehearsals and gives students permission to have fun with pop repertoire.

Buoyant and conversational, with moments of rhythmic complexity woven into an otherwise accessible groove. The arrangement feels like friends singing together rather than a formal choral statement, capturing that intimate yet infectious quality that made the original recording a phenomenon.

Choirs seeking contemporary material that feels current and fun without sacrificing musicality. This works especially well for groups comfortable with pop idiom and vocal percussion, or ensembles eager to program something their students already know and love.

• Build the vocal percussion layer gradually across rehearsals. Start with rhythm section isolation before layering in melodic voices; this clarifies the groove and prevents the arrangement from feeling chaotic.
• Nail the call-and-response moments with rhythmic precision. These sections drive the energy forward, so lock them in well before adding dynamic shaping.
• Keep the soloists confident and front-facing. The arrangement depends on strong individual voices carrying phrases; make sure your soloists know they're the centerpiece, not background support.
• Record yourself often. Listening back reveals blend issues and tuning drifts that are easy to miss in the room, especially in a cappella singing.

Perfect for spring concerts, pops nights, or any program seeking a tonal shift from classical repertoire. Place it near the end of your set when energy and engagement are highest, or use it as a finale to leave audiences on an uplifted note.

• Rhythmic precision in spoken and sung syllables
• Vocal percussion production and consistency
• Balancing solo and ensemble textures
• Stylistic awareness of contemporary pop phrasing
• Tuning blend in a cappella settings without instrumental reference