Uptown Funk: SATB divisi, a cappella Choral Octavo

Ben Bram's arrangement captures the infectious energy and rhythmic precision of the original without relying on instrumental backing. The divisi writing gives every section moment to shine while maintaining the locked-in grooves that make this song irresistible; singers hear themselves as the full production, which builds genuine ensemble confidence.

Funky and tight. The song pulses with an irresistible groove that feels both retro and modern, built on syncopated rhythms and stacked harmonies that create a rich sonic landscape. Singing this a cappella means your voices become the band—driving, swinging, and locked together.

Any choir looking to program contemporary pop with serious musical substance. This arrangement works for show choirs, select choirs, jazz-oriented ensembles, and concert choirs wanting to bridge the gap between classical repertoire and current music.

• Lock the subdivision. This arrangement thrives on rhythmic precision, so spend rehearsal time establishing a steady internal pulse before adding the funky syncopations that sit on top of it.
• Emphasize the divisi passages to create textural interest. When sopranos or altos split, lean into the independence of each line so the harmonic depth reads clearly.
• Treat the rhythmic figures as percussion. Crisp articulation and consistent vowel placement on repeated rhythmic motifs will keep the groove sharp across all four sections.
• Balance the bass and lower voices carefully. Since there's no accompaniment, the bass line carries rhythmic and harmonic weight that lesser-voiced choirs might lose if not highlighted appropriately.

Program this as a contemporary centerpiece that lets audiences connect to music they actually hear on the radio. It pairs well with other pop arrangements in a mixed concert, or use it as a statement piece that showcases your ensemble's rhythmic sophistication and contemporary relevance.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
• Maintaining steady internal pulse while singing layered, independent rhythmic lines
• Balancing divisi writing so each line is heard distinctly
• A cappella blend and intonation without instrumental reference
• Rhythmic precision and crisp articulation in pop/funk styles