You're My Best Friend (arr. Deke Sharon): TTBB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the warmth and emotional directness of this Queen classic without losing its pop appeal. Your choir will love singing a song their families actually know, and the TTBB voicing offers genuine harmonic interest that rewards careful blend work rather than relying on unison comfort.

Genuine affection radiates through every phrase. The arrangement celebrates friendship and loyalty with straightforward warmth, creating moments of harmonic richness that feel earned rather than imposed. It's the rare pop arrangement that sounds both accessible and genuinely well-crafted.

This arrangement works for developing treble and mixed choirs who are ready to tackle contemporary pop material with musical sophistication. Directors seeking repertoire that bridges the gap between classical skill-building and songs students recognize will find this particularly valuable.

• Balance the top line carefully; the melody sits high in the tenor section, and it needs to float above the other voices without straining.
• Treat the a cappella texture as an opportunity to shape phrases with dynamic nuance. Small crescendos and diminuendos on repeated sections keep the arrangement fresh across seven pages.
• Lock in the rhythmic groove early. This arrangement thrives on precision and pocket, not on rubato or classical floating.
• Let the baritones and basses anchor the harmonic foundation. Their support makes the tenor melody soar.

Pair this with other contemporary or film-inspired pieces to create a concert section that speaks to modern audiences. Its moderate length and accessible style make it ideal for spring pops concerts, alumni events, or any program seeking to balance classical repertoire with pieces that resonate across generations.

• Singing sustained a cappella lines with secure intonation
• Blending mixed TTBB voicings with attention to chord balance
• Executing rhythmic precision in contemporary pop styles
• Shaping pop melody with dynamic control and phrasing awareness
• Maintaining ensemble cohesion across contrasting vocal ranges