Waves (arr. Alan Billingsley): SSA Choral Octavo

Alan Billingsley's arrangement opens up this reflective ballad beautifully for SSA voices, preserving the song's intimate character while giving it the depth that three-part writing affords. The simplicity of the voicing doesn't mean simplicity in effect; this is a moving piece that rewards careful attention to phrasing and blend.

Quiet introspection that builds to something broader. The arrangement sits in an intimate emotional space, with rich harmonic support that doesn't overwhelm the lyrical quality of the text. This is music that asks singers to listen as much as they sing.

Choirs comfortable with contemporary pop material and looking for a piece that feels current without being gimmicky. This octavo works well for intermediate to advanced ensembles seeking a ballad with emotional depth.

• Approach the dynamic arc with restraint. The song builds gradually, and resisting the urge to jump in volume early keeps the audience leaning in throughout.
• Listen for the natural breathing points in the melody; this piece works best when phrases feel conversational rather than metrically rigid.
• Balance the SSA voicing so that the highest part doesn't dominate the texture. Dean Lewis's original recording shows how the song works when voices support rather than compete.

Consider pairing this with other pop or contemporary pieces to create a concert set that feels cohesive and current. It also works as a poignant placement near the end of a program, where its reflective mood has room to land with the audience.

• Blending three-part SSA harmony
• Sustaining legit tone in contemporary pop contexts
• Shaping long phrases with intentional dynamic control
• Interpreting rhythmic flexibility within a ballad framework