Valerie (arr. Jeremy Birchall): SATB Choral Octavo

Jeremy Birchall's arrangement captures the song's essential groove and character while giving each voice part genuine musical interest. The retro soul DNA of the original translates beautifully to SATB voices, making this an accessible entry point into contemporary soul repertoire that doesn't sacrifice sophistication.

Warm and conversational, with the laid-back confidence of a late-night soul revue. The harmonies have a sophisticated shimmer, while the overall feel stays grounded and intimate rather than slick.

Choirs looking to program contemporary material with soul and style will find this arrangement rewarding. It works equally well for high school and college ensembles, and the 17-page score suggests accessible but substantial arranging craft.

• Anchor the rhythm section feel in the lower voices; tenors and basses should lock into a pocket that supports rather than competes with the soprano line.
• Shape the melody with the phrasing of a jazz vocalist. This isn't a straight pop tune; it lives in the space between words and notes.
• Balance is critical in the harmony. Have inner voices sing through without shrinking; they carry the harmonic color that makes the song distinctive.
• Let the arrangement breathe. Resist the urge to rush; this groove works best when it feels unhurried and confident.

Program this in a pops concert or a program exploring soul and R&B influences in contemporary music. Its retro sensibility pairs well with other vintage-inspired pop arrangements or as a standalone showcase for your ensemble's stylistic range.

• Singing through jazz harmony and extended chords
• Maintaining groove while managing phrase length and breathing
• Balancing multiple melodic and harmonic lines with equal weight
• Interpreting soulful phrasing within an arranged context
• Blend and balance in SATB voicing with syncopated rhythms