Video Killed The Radio Star (arr. Wendy Sergeant): TTBB Choral Octavo

Wendy Sergeant's TTBB arrangement captures the signature synth-pop energy of this landmark recording while making it genuinely singable for male voices. The arrangement preserves what makes the original iconic (that infectious hooks and propulsive rhythm) while giving your men something that sits comfortably and sounds modern without feeling like a novelty. Programming this alongside contemporary pop charts or as a finale opener gives your concert an immediate sense of fun and cultural relevance.

Bright, synth-inflected, and propulsive; the piece bounces forward with 1980s swagger and clever wordplay. There's an ironic wit to the lyrics that gives singers permission to enjoy themselves, and the tight harmonies create a sleek, polished sound that feels both retro and timeless.

Male choirs and mixed ensembles looking to program something current and high-energy that audiences recognize instantly. Arrangements like this work particularly well for groups interested in contemporary pop and light music without abandoning serious musicianship.

• Keep the articulation crisp and rhythmically unified across all parts; the groove depends on precise, clipped vowels rather than legato sustain.
• Layer in the rhythmic drive gradually through rehearsal so singers lock into the pocket before worrying about blend and balance.
• Balance the bass line carefully so it anchors the harmonic movement without overwhelming the text; this part carries harmonic weight.
• Record yourself running through sections and listen back for any lag in the rhythm section; even small timing slips will flatten the energy.

Save this for a set closer or an evening's highlight where you want to shift tone and energy. It pairs naturally with other pop arrangements from the 1980s forward, or use it to bookend a concert by opening with something classical and closing with undeniable contemporary groove.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop idiom
• Singing with articulation and clarity in a contemporary style
• Part independence in a four-part arrangement where each line has melodic interest
• Understanding harmonic function in pop music structures