Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars) (arr. Deke Sharon): SSA Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures every ounce of the original's infectious groove while translating it brilliantly for SSA voices. The parts sit comfortably across the range, the rhythmic precision required becomes a teaching opportunity rather than a burden, and singers genuinely light up performing music this contemporary and recognizable.

Polished, propulsive, and undeniably fun. The arrangement preserves the original's swagger and precision while creating space for voices to shine with clarity and attitude. Singers feel the ease of contemporary material paired with the satisfaction of executing tight, rhythmically complex writing.

Any director seeking repertoire that genuinely engages modern singers while maintaining musical integrity. This works equally well in concert settings, pop showcase programs, or mixed repertoire festivals where you need a crowd favorite that also earns artistic respect.

• Nail the offbeat syncopation in the accompaniment parts. This isn't a piece where locking the rhythm section is optional; the pocket is everything, and even slight slippage disrupts the funk.
• Let the recorded accompaniment do heavy lifting with the instrumentation while your singers focus on clarity and articulation in the melody. The arrangement respects the original's production without trying to recreate it vocally.
• Build energy gradually through repetition rather than rushing tempo. The piece gains power through grooved precision, not speed, so maintain discipline even as excitement builds.
• Shape the dynamic landscape with the lyrical moments, particularly if Sharon included any textural variations or instrumental breaks in the 19 pages. These offer natural breath and contrast.

Place this strategically in a concert where you want audience energy to spike. It pairs beautifully alongside other pop or funk arrangements, or it can anchor a contemporary set that demonstrates your program's range beyond classical or traditional repertoire. The 19-page length suggests it's substantial enough to anchor a program segment without overwhelming rehearsal time.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in ensemble contexts with recorded accompaniment
• Blend and balance in SSA voicing with rhythmic drive
• Articulation and diction at conversational tempos with groove-based phrasing