You've Never Had Chocolate Like This: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Michael Story's arrangement captures the infectious joy of the original without losing the sophisticated rhythmic and dynamic layering that makes this song sparkle. Young string players get genuine performance challenges (swinging eighths, tight dynamic control, rhythmic precision) wrapped in a piece that feels immediately rewarding to play. The energy is contagious, and audiences consistently light up when they hear it.

Buoyant and playful, with a vaudeville-meets-pop sensibility that makes it feel both theatrical and modern. The piece bounces along with infectious charm, full of sudden shifts and delightful rhythmic surprises that keep both players and listeners engaged from start to finish.

String orchestras at the high school or advanced middle school level looking for a contemporary pop arrangement with genuine teaching value. Directors who want to program something energetic and accessible without sacrificing musical substance will find this rewarding for players and audiences alike.

• Lock the swing feel early in rehearsal by having players tap their feet on the straight sixteenth-note subdivisions while playing swung eighths; this prevents the typical student tendency to overswing or lose the groove.
• Shape each dynamic shift decisively. The contrast between soft and suddenly full creates the excitement; half-measures won't land the humor and impact Story built into the score.
• Isolate the rhythmic interplay passages in sectionals so each string section can hear exactly where their part sits against the others; independent parts require independent rehearsal.
• Use the full run-time (2 minutes 30 seconds) to build arc and momentum rather than rushing through; younger orchestras often speed up when excited, so set a comfortable tempo early and hold it.

This works beautifully as a closing concert selection or as the anchor of a lighter, pop-focused concert set. Pair it with other contemporary or musical theater arrangements to showcase your orchestra's range, or use it as the feel-good finale to balance heavier classical repertoire earlier in the program.

• Swinging eighth notes and jazz-inflected rhythmic articulation
• Dynamic control and contrast within short time spans
• Rhythmic independence while maintaining ensemble cohesion
• Stylistic flexibility in contemporary pop arranging
• Confidence in theatrical, character-driven performance