Waitress (Choral Highlights) (arr. Greg Gilpin): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Sara Bareilles / Arranged by Greg Gilpin
Item: 35-PK00380773
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Description
Described as "Sweet, sassy, passionate and delightful" and "Cooked to perfection," this musical with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, and a book by Jessie Nelson was one of the successes of the 2016 Broadway season. This 5-minute SSA medley will be a fantastic showcase for women's choirs and includes: "Everything Changes, Opening Up, She Used To Be Mine."
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00380773
More about this title
About the Artist: Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles built her career as a singer-songwriter before turning her hand to musical theater, bringing a distinctly contemporary voice to Broadway. Her score for Waitress won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and demonstrates her gift for writing character-driven songs that balance humor with genuine emotional depth. For music educators, Bareilles' work represents accessible yet substantive theater music that speaks to students through modern sensibilities and relatable storytelling.
Why we love this
Gilpin's arrangement captures the wit and warmth of the show while giving women's choirs a genuine showcase rather than a condensed novelty. Three contrasting songs let you build dramatic arc across five minutes: the optimism of "Everything Changes," the vulnerability of "Opening Up," and the defiant self-discovery of "She Used To Be Mine."
What to expect
The arc moves from hopeful anticipation through tentative vulnerability to hard-won confidence. Bareilles' melodies carry a folk-pop simplicity that grounds even lush moments in emotional authenticity, while the lyrics layer humor with real stakes. Performing it feels like unlocking three distinct emotional snapshots from a character's journey.
Who it's for
SSA choirs of intermediate to advanced ability will find this medley gives them credible, character-filled material that resonates with contemporary audiences. Women's groups looking for something beyond standard show tune arrangements will appreciate Bareilles' storytelling and Gilpin's thoughtful harmonic language.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the conversational tone of "Everything Changes" by treating phrases as spoken thoughts rather than sung lines; the rhythm stays conversational even as harmonies build underneath.
- Balance the ensemble texture in "Opening Up" so the vulnerability reads clearly; this isn't a power moment, and dynamics matter more than volume.
- Reserve your brightest tone and forward energy for "She Used To Be Mine," which demands conviction and a sense of personal ownership from every voice.
How to use it
This works exceptionally well as a standalone feature for a spring or winter concert, especially when you want to offer audiences Broadway material with substance. It also pairs naturally with other contemporary theater or pop-influenced choral work, functioning as a bridge between traditional art song and modern musical storytelling.
Skills your students will build
- Dramatic shape and character interpretation across contrasting musical moments
- Balancing blend and transparency in close-voiced SSA harmony
- Text clarity and intention in conversational lyrical phrasing
- Dynamic control and pacing across a longer medley form