With My Own Two Hands (from Curious George) (arr. Mac Huff): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Mac Huff's arrangement captures the song's gentle optimism while making it genuinely fun to sing in three parts. The voicing sits naturally for mixed choirs without requiring soloists, and the harmonic language stays accessible while still offering real musical interest for your singers.

There's an infectious simplicity here that makes you believe in the message. The song radiates warmth without sentimentality, combining the easy confidence of Jack Johnson with the deeper harmonic color that Ben Harper brings to the arrangement.

This arrangement works beautifully for mixed choirs from middle school through adult community ensembles. It's ideal when you want a contemporary piece that younger singers can grasp immediately while still offering musical substance for more experienced groups.

• Emphasize the straightforward, conversational quality of the lyrics; resist the urge to oversing or add unnecessary expression.
• Balance the parts carefully during tutti sections so the melody remains clear without drowning out the supporting voices.
• Let the accompaniment anchor your tempo rather than pushing ahead; this song benefits from a relaxed, grounded feel.
• Shape phrases by bringing slight dynamic shape rather than rhythmic flexibility; the groove matters more than dramatic peaks.

Consider this for a spring or year-end concert where you want something uplifting and contemporary alongside more traditional repertoire. It also works naturally in a program exploring social responsibility or environmental themes through music, or as an accessible entry point for students new to choral singing.

• Maintaining independent vocal lines within a three-part texture
• Singing contemporary songwriting with stylistic authenticity
• Blending voices while preserving harmonic clarity
• Sustaining consistent tone and diction in longer phrases