You're the Top (from the musical Anything Goes): Choral SoundPax
From the Musical Anything Goes
Words and music by Cole Porter / arr. Mark Hayes
Item: 00-PK-0004136
$45.00
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Description
This famous "list" song from the musical Anything Goes demonstrates Cole Porter's incredible rhyming ability and gives us a partial listing of what was popular in the '30s. (How about an extra credit assignment for your singers?) Charmingly arranged by Mark Hayes.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, You're the Top (from the musical Anything Goes): Choral SoundPax comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
52
SKU:
00-PK-0004136
Instrumentation:
SoundPax
More about this title
About the Composer: Cole Porter
Cole Porter (1891-1964) fundamentally changed the sound of American musical theater through his sophisticated harmonies, witty lyrics, and rhythmic precision. A classically trained composer who studied at Yale and abroad, Porter brought a level of harmonic complexity to Broadway that elevated the entire genre. His ability to write both melody and lyrics made him rare among theater composers; few could match his intelligence, wordplay, and gift for sophisticated song construction.
Porter's influence on choral arrangers remains profound because his songs reward close listening and smart phrasing. "You're the Top" exemplifies his trademark style: clever, rhythmically engaging lyrics layered over harmonically rich music that works beautifully in ensemble settings. Choral directors return to Porter's work repeatedly because audiences love it, singers enjoy the intelligent humor, and the music itself demands genuine musicianship to bring to life.
Why we love this
Mark Hayes's arrangement captures the song's essential personality while making it accessible for high school and community choirs. The SoundPax format gives you flexibility in performance options, and the rhyme scheme itself becomes a teaching tool about lyrical craft that singers genuinely find entertaining.
What to expect
Witty and urbane, like being invited into a private conversation about everything fabulous in 1930s culture. The song balances tongue-in-cheek humor with genuine musical sophistication, creating a performance that feels both elegant and playful.
Who it's for
This works for treble choirs, mixed ensembles, and show choir programs looking for accessible, entertaining material with genuine musical substance. Singers should be comfortable with rhythm, text clarity, and ensemble blend; the sophisticated harmony requires singers who listen critically.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the comedic timing of the list. Porter's rhymes land best when singers treat the text with precision and clarity rather than rushing through it for volume.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the ensemble rhythm and feel, especially since the harmony in this arrangement likely contains Porter's characteristic chromatic movement.
- Shape the melodic lines by phrase rather than by note. The lyrics suggest natural breathing and thought divisions that make the song feel conversational rather than formal.
How to use it
Pair this with other Broadway standards from the same era to create a cohesive pops or standards concert, or use it as a clever standalone showpiece that bridges classical and contemporary choral programming. The humor and intelligence of Porter's lyrics make it particularly effective near the end of a concert when audiences are most receptive to entertainment-focused repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision and text clarity in fast-moving, lyric-driven material
- Ensemble balancing with chromatic harmonies typical of sophisticated show tunes
- Interpretation of comedic intent in sung text
- Stylistic awareness of 1930s musical theater conventions