What'll I Do? (arr. Ed Waesche and Renee Craig): SATB Choral Octavo

Introspective and bittersweet. The piece carries the intimate vulnerability of a Tin Pan Alley standard while the barbershop harmonies add richness and warmth that feels both nostalgic and immediate. Singing this requires genuine emotional connection rather than technical display.

SATB choirs looking to explore the American barbershop tradition with accessible material that still demands musical maturity. This works well for ensembles comfortable with four-part harmony who want to branch into a repertoire beyond classical choral standards.

• Balance the melody line so it sits prominently in the soprano without overwhelming the supporting harmonies; the beauty of barbershop lies in the blend of all four parts working together.
• Shape the phrasing to mirror the song's emotional arc. This is an introspective piece about uncertainty, so resist the urge to drive forward relentlessly.
• Lock into a steady harmonic rhythm during rehearsals by having the lower three voices count and lock before adding the soprano line.

Pair this with other early 20th century American repertoire to trace the evolution of popular song, or program it as a standalone feature that showcases your choir's ability to handle jazz and barbershop idioms. It works particularly well on concerts celebrating vocal Americana.

• Barbershop harmonic conventions and voice leading
• Balancing melodic and supporting lines within a four-part texture
• Singing in the jazz and popular song tradition
• Shaping phrasing in emotionally narrative music