You're the Voice (arr. Kirby Shaw): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by John Farnham / As performed by Rebecca St. James / Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK00308824
$30.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
This song from the English-born Australian pop singer John Farnham offers a powerful, affirming message for singers and audiences: "You're the voice, try and understand it, make a noise and make it clear." A wonderful concert closer for concert and pop choirs of all ages!
You're the Voice (arr. Kirby Shaw): Choral Instrumental Pak isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00308824
More about this title
About the Artist: John Farnham
John Farnham rose to prominence in the 1980s as one of Australia's most distinctive rock vocalists, bringing raw emotional power and technical precision to every performance. His 1986 hit "You're the Voice" became an anthem of empowerment and social consciousness, resonating across generations and establishing itself as a staple of choral and inspirational music programming worldwide.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the motivational spirit of the original while giving choirs a vehicle for genuine emotional expression. The piece functions as a natural program anchor, delivering the kind of affirmative message that leaves audiences energized rather than offering saccharine uplift.
What to expect
The piece carries an earnest, rallying-cry quality that builds from intimate conviction to broad affirmation. There's an inherent warmth in the melody and harmony that makes singers feel invested in delivering the message, rather than performing it from the outside.
Who it's for
Concert choirs and pop choirs of mixed ages will find this arrangement accessible and rewarding. It works especially well for programs seeking a contemporary piece with substance, or for groups looking to close a concert on an uplifting, participatory note.
How to get the most out of it
- Build the dynamic arc gradually from verse to final chorus; resist the urge to sing at full volume early, which flattens the arc and weakens the impact of the final statement.
- Center the interpretation on clarity of text and intention. Singers must understand they're making a declaration, not just singing a melody.
- Balance the ensemble blend carefully during unison passages to maintain the song's conversational intimacy before opening into fuller harmonies.
- Let the recorded accompaniment establish the groove, then have singers lock into the pocket with confidence rather than fighting the tempo.
How to use it
Use this as a concert finale when you want to send audiences out feeling heard and empowered rather than melancholic or reflective. It pairs well after a set of more introspective contemporary pieces, or it can stand alone as the capstone moment in a program built around themes of voice, advocacy, or community.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining phrase lines across longer melodic arcs
- Balancing solo and ensemble textures within a rock idiom
- Conviction and intention in text delivery for contemporary music
- Ensemble blend and tuning in unison passages