Welcome To The 60's (from Hairspray) (arr. Roger Emerson): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement opens up this infectious number to mixed voices without losing the infectious momentum of the original. The 3-part texture keeps the writing accessible while maintaining enough harmonic interest to keep singers engaged, and the Broadway context gives students a chance to perform music they actually want to sing.

The 1960s optimism and infectious pop sensibility of the original score shine through in this arrangement. Singers get to inhabit the youthful energy of the Hairspray world, with bright harmonies and a forward-moving rhythm section that keeps the whole ensemble feeling propelled and alive.

This arrangement serves choirs seeking accessible yet engaging Broadway repertoire that fits a range of voice classifications. It works well for high school and community choirs looking to add contemporary theater music to their library without requiring advanced vocal technique.

• Lock into the rhythmic groove early in rehearsal. This arrangement thrives on rhythmic precision and ensemble cohesion, so establish the pulse before layering in the melody and parts.
• Lean into the diction on fast passages. The text moves quickly in spots, so isolate these moments and drill them separately to keep clarity intact during performance.
• Shape each phrase with the humor of the piece in mind. The arrangement has a lightness and joy built into its structure; let singers feel that character rather than treat it as purely technical.

Place this alongside other contemporary musical theater selections to demonstrate how Broadway has evolved, or use it as a lighter moment in a concert that balances more classical choral works. The 18 pages make it substantial enough to anchor a set while staying short enough to pair with other numbers from the same show.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop idiom
• Clear diction at moderate to fast tempos
• Blend and balance in 3-part mixed texture
• Expressive interpretation of contemporary theater style
• Part independence while maintaining ensemble cohesion