Under The Boardwalk: SAB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the laid-back charm of the original while making it genuinely fun to sing in three parts. The piece sits comfortably for mixed voices and doesn't require soloists to carry the weight, so every singer gets a satisfying moment. It's the kind of repertoire that energizes a rehearsal and leaves audiences smiling.

Nostalgic and carefree at once. The song evokes a specific moment in time and place, but Deke Sharon's arrangement keeps it modern and fresh, never feeling quaint. Singers experience the relaxed groove of the melody and the satisfying snap of singing in close harmony.

SAB choirs looking for contemporary repertoire that's accessible but sophisticated enough to hold musicians' attention. This arrangement works especially well for groups building confidence in three-part singing or for directors seeking pieces that audiences recognize and enjoy.

• Keep the texture light and conversational, especially in the verses. This isn't a power ballad; it's a story told at the beach.
• Balance the bass line carefully so it anchors the harmony without overshadowing the top voices. The groove matters.
• Let the middle section breathe. Don't rush the moment where the song opens up, or you'll lose the sense of escape the lyric creates.
• Work on vowel consistency across the three parts during the sustained sections. Clean vowels make the harmony rings without sounding strained.

Pair this with other pop or standards arrangements for a concert that connects with listeners beyond the typical classical or show tune crowd. It's strong enough to stand on its own as a set closer or opener, or it can anchor a program built around American songwriting standards. Consider programming it in the spring when lighter, feel-good music lands with audiences.

• Singing in three-part mixed voicing with independent melodic lines
• Maintaining groove and rhythmic precision in contemporary arrangements
• Blending vowels and balance within close harmony
• Musical storytelling through phrasing and dynamics in pop idioms