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We Are the Choir: SATB Choral Octavo

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$1.75 USD
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We Are the Choir Cover Image
We Are the Choir: SATB Choral Octavo

We Are the Choir: SATB Choral Octavo

Based on March Militaire, Opus 51

Music by Franz Schubert / arr. with new words by Donald Moore

Item: 00-28455
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Description
The music is Schubert's "March Militaire." The text is wonderfully witty. The result is an unforgettable novelty number for mixed choirs. Each section of the choir brags about being "the very best in town" or having "the finest sound" in the chromatic B section, before recapitulating the strong "we are the choir" hook. Funny (to hear) . . . and fun (to sing)! Featured on the "Hooray for Hollywood!" movement DVD #28868.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, We Are the Choir: SATB 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 Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
UPC: 038081309996
SKU: 00-28455

More about this title

About the Composer: Franz Schubert

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was a prolific Austrian composer whose gift for melody shaped the Romantic era. Though he died at 31, he produced nearly 1,000 works across nearly every genre, from intimate lieder to symphonies and chamber music. His ability to blend Classical form with Romantic expression makes his music enduringly appealing to singers and instrumentalists alike.

Schubert's marches and dances reveal a playful side often overshadowed by his more introspective works. The "March Militaire" sits comfortably in this lighter vein, offering strong rhythmic drive and memorable melodic phrases that translate beautifully when set to witty text. For choral directors, Schubert's straightforward harmonic language and singable lines make his work particularly rewarding in the rehearsal room.

Why we love this

Donald Moore's arrangement transforms Schubert's military march into theatrical gold, giving each voice section a chance to strut and claim superiority before the ensemble reunites on the irresistible hook. The chromatic B section creates genuine comedic tension, and the strong recapitulation lands with satisfying impact. Audiences laugh, singers grin, and everyone remembers "We Are the Choir" long after the concert ends.

What to expect

Strutting and playful. The march rhythm propels the piece forward with military precision, while the wit of the text and the chromatic detours keep listeners on their toes. Singing it feels like being part of an inside joke; the ensemble mood shifts from proud to humorous to triumphantly proud again, all within eight pages.

Who it's for

Mixed choirs seeking a showstopper with substance. This octavo works equally well for community choirs, university singers, and high school ensembles who want to deliver comedy without sacrificing musicianship. The arrangement respects Schubert's material while showcasing the ensemble's range and personality.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lean into the swagger in each voice section's solo moments. Sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses each get their turn to boast, so encourage confident, almost exaggerated delivery during the B section.
  • Lock the rhythm section (tenors and basses) on the march pulse to give the piece its military backbone. Clean articulation of the dotted rhythms keeps the piece driving forward.
  • Use the chromatic movement in the B section as a turning point in character. The harmonic shift signals a shift in tone, so allow soloists to lean into the humor before pulling back to the main melodic statement.
  • Highlight the counterpoint where it appears. The layering of parts is what makes the joke land; clarity between lines ensures the audience hears each section's "bragging" distinctly.

How to use it

Program this as a palate cleanser between heavier works or as your concert closer. Its theatrical staging potential and broad appeal make it an ideal bridge between classical and contemporary programming. The novelty factor also positions it well on pops concerts or "Hooray for Hollywood!" themed evenings.

Skills your students will build

  • Secure SATB part independence, especially in the chromatic B section
  • Character singing and dramatic delivery without oversinging
  • Rhythmic precision in dotted-note passages and march rhythms
  • Ensemble balance when individual sections step into the spotlight
  • Quick harmonic transitions and harmonic awareness through chromatic movement

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