Uptown Funk (arr. Don Henken): SSSSAAA Choral Octavo

Don Henken's arrangement captures the propulsive energy of the original without losing the funk backbone that makes this song irresistible. The seven-part voicing creates genuine textural variety while remaining accessible to choirs with solid singers in every section.

Slick and propulsive, with the swagger of modern funk filtered through layered vocal textures. The arrangement pulses with groove while maintaining the polished production values that defined the original.

High school and college choirs ready to perform contemporary pop with sophisticated harmonies. This works equally well for secular concert choirs looking to energize an audience or for directors seeking material that engages younger singers with music from their actual world.

• Lock the rhythmic precision from the downbeat. This arrangement thrives on crisp articulation and tight ensemble attacks that mirror the original's studio production.
• Balance the bass lines prominently so they sit as a driving force underneath the harmonic layers. Funk loses its power when the foundation is buried.
• Shape the dynamic peaks around the chorus moments rather than sustaining full volume throughout. The contrast will make those big moments land harder.

Consider pairing this with other contemporary pop arrangements to build a full concert set that demonstrates your choir's versatility beyond traditional repertoire. It also serves as a powerful closer that leaves audiences energized and reminds singers why they love making music together.

• Rhythmic precision and ensemble synchronization in syncopated pop idioms
• Balancing layered vocal parts to maintain clarity within thick textures
• Interpreting style and groove outside classical traditions
• Sustaining energy and commitment across extended performance lengths