What's This? (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the infectious whimsy of Elfman's original without losing the song's theatrical DNA. Two-part writing that sits comfortably for developing voices means you can actually teach the piece rather than manage it, and the holiday crossover appeal (it works equally well in December concerts and Halloween events) gives you serious programming flexibility.

Playful and slightly offbeat, with that signature Elfman touch of theatrical surprise. The arrangement captures the song's childlike wonder paired with an undercurrent of delightful strangeness that keeps singers and audiences engaged.

Two-part choirs and developing treble sections looking for contemporary repertoire with genuine personality. The arrangement works equally well for younger high school choirs, community groups, and upper middle school ensembles ready to tackle something that feels current and energetic.

• Anchor the top line's leaps with good breath support; the melody wants to soar, but pitch accuracy matters more than a breathy tone.
• Let the accompaniment recording establish the quirky rhythmic feel first. Have singers listen multiple times before adding their parts so the groove locks in naturally.
• Lean into the character and fun without oversinging. This arrangement thrives on rhythmic precision and clarity, not volume.

Program this as a concert closer in either December or October to add personality and levity alongside more traditional holiday or spooky fare. The contemporary film source and strong harmonic writing also make it a useful bridge between classical repertoire and modern pop arrangements in a mixed season.

• Singing with rhythmic precision in contemporary pop/film music idioms
• Interpreting character and emotion through dynamics and phrasing
• Maintaining independent melodic lines in two-part writing
• Ensemble balance when the melody isn't in the top voice