Contemporary and Commercial

Carol Joy Sparkman, Contemporary and Commercial R&R Chair

Songbird

SSAA with Solo

arr. Deke Sharon

HL 08749914

Each year I look for a piece that will be a good starter piece for my group, many of whom haven’t had experience singing contemporary a cappella. This piece is a quick learn because the accompaniment figure of the voices repeats. When preparing a contemporary a cappella piece, I listen to several recordings and may add harmony or obbligato lines as they fit. Don’t be afraid to raise or lower the key, making it more suitable for your group.

Love is Christmas

SSAA with Solo

Arr. Brian Haverkate

Available from the arranger: brianhaverkate.com

Brian Haverkate, the arranger, is a high school educator in Michigan, and arranges for his groups, as well as groups all over the nation. This piece is a beautiful arrangement of Sara Bareilles’ ballad and is very accessible. It feels like a lullaby and would be a lovely addition to a holiday concert.

A Cappella Resources

Lately I have been searching the internet for arrangements of contemporary pop songs for my a cappella groups. There are stock arrangements that are available from the usual sites: J. W. Pepper, SheetMusic Plus, MusicNotes.Com. However, if you do a little digging and listening, you will find some hidden gems. I have discovered that there are student arrangers who are the musical directors for collegiate student-run ensembles who publish their arrangements on MuseScore and NoteFlight. Many of the arrangements are free and the arrangers only ask that you send an email if you plan to perform the arrangement. Other arrangers post only part of the song and ask that you contact them for the remainder.