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Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go: SAB Choral Octavo

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Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go Cover Image

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go: SAB Choral Octavo

Words and music by George Michael / arr. Kirby Shaw

Item: 00-47740

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Description
Who can forget this #1 hit by the British duo Wham! Kirby's choral adaptation gets right in the groove of the finger-snapping piece of pop perfection. For even more fun, add the optional SoundPax or SoundTrax CD, 1980s costumes, and some show choir choreography. “Jitterbug!”

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go: SAB Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081544335
SKU: 00-47740

More about this title

About the Composer: George Michael

George Michael (1963-2016) was a British singer-songwriter who achieved massive international success first as a member of Wham! and later as a solo artist. His gift for crafting infectious pop melodies combined with sophisticated production and genuine vocal artistry made him one of the defining voices of 1980s pop music. Beyond hits, Michael was known for his musicianship, often playing multiple instruments and maintaining creative control over his work.

For music educators, George Michael's catalog represents some of the most singable, energetic pop material available. His songs reward strong vocal technique, rhythmic precision, and theatrical commitment from student singers.

Why we love this

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the irresistible groove and infectious energy that made this song unstoppable on the charts while keeping the writing accessible for three-part mixed voices. The optional choreography suggestion opens the door to a full production number that choir students genuinely want to perform, making this an excellent morale-builder during concert season.

What to expect

Pure joy. The finger-snapping, the jitterbug references, the forward momentum of the melody all combine to create something that feels celebratory and fun the moment singers open their scores. This is a piece that makes students smile during the first read-through.

Who it's for

Choirs ranging from middle school to community ensembles looking for high-energy contemporary pop that students know and love. The SAB voicing makes it accessible to mixed ensembles with developing singers, while the groove and arrangement complexity keep experienced singers engaged.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the syncopated rhythm in the finger-snap section early in rehearsals. Mark the beat clearly with conducting gestures and use a metronome to ensure the entire ensemble feels the pulse together.
  • Balance the upper voices against the bass line carefully; SAB voicings can muddy if the alto and bass parts aren't clearly separated in the mix.
  • Emphasize the 1980s style in diction and articulation. Crisp consonants and rhythmic precision on eighth notes will nail the pop feel.
  • The recorded accompaniment locks the groove for you; use it to internalize the rhythmic pocket before moving to full ensemble singing.

How to use it

Program this as a standalone pop feature on a spring or winter concert, especially if you're pairing it with a mix of show choir repertoire or lighter contemporary material. The optional choreography and 1980s costume suggestion make it perfect for pops concerts or informal community performances where entertainment value matters as much as vocal excellence.

Skills your students will build

  • Syncopated rhythm reading in a pop context
  • Stylistic interpretation of contemporary secular music
  • Three-part SAB voice independence and blend
  • Ensemble rhythmic cohesion with recorded accompaniment
  • Articulation and diction clarity in fast pop passages

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