Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (arr. Hans Kaldeway): SSATBB Choral Octavo

Kaldeway's arrangement captures the infectious groove and layered vocal textures that made the original a cultural moment, while making it genuinely singable for six-part choirs. The SSA/SSAA voicing opens this song to more groups than you'd expect, and the funk foundation gives your singers permission to feel the pocket rather than just nail the mechanics.

Propulsive and rhythmically alive, with the kind of relentless forward motion that makes you want to move. The layered vocals create a wall of sound that's both energizing and intricate, balancing the demands of precision with the freedom of funk.

Choirs of all levels who want contemporary material with serious groove and infectious energy. This works especially well for groups that embrace pop and funk repertoire and want something their audiences will recognize and love.

• Lock into the pocket by having your rhythm section (or accompaniment track) establish the groove before singers enter; once the foundation is set, everything else locks in naturally.
• Layer the background vocal patterns during rehearsal so singers understand how their part weaves into the texture rather than sitting on top of it.
• Let the iconic horn hits and percussion punctuation shape your phrasing; resist over-smoothing the edges, and encourage rhythmic sharpness on staccato syllables.
• Record sectional run-throughs to help singers hear themselves within the full arrangement and adjust blend and balance accordingly.

Place this in a contemporary or pop concert set where it can breathe as a standalone moment and showcase your choir's rhythmic facility. It also works beautifully as a high-energy closer that sends audiences out feeling the pulse.

• Rhythmic precision and pocket singing
• Layered vocal arrangement balance and blend
• Syncopation and funk phrasing
• Part independence within a complex texture
• Coordinate ensemble rhythmic confidence