Arrangements by Category(Click Below)
The number is a reference to the names on the Vietnam Memorial wall. The Brothers in Harmony took the place by storm when they placed high with this song and “Goodnight, Saigon” in International competition.
A most powerful piece, this popular hit by Toto is sure to thrill your audiences. Probably more suitable to chorus than quartet. Be sure to check out Perpetuum Jazzile’s version on YouTube and consider adding their stormy sound effects to your performance.
Check out this lively reimagining of an old barbershop chestnut!
This classic features a new verse and contains deceptively strong sentiment. Take your audiences back in time with this timeless tale.
Did you ever wish your quartet consisted of Superman, Batman, Spider-Man and, well… Mighty Mouse? Your wish can be granted with this clever batch of parodies. This piece goes very well in a set with the parody version of When I Lost You.
A melancholy, powerful ballad, this song mourns a lost love. Can this love be saved. Continue reading “All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart”
You can’t go wrong with a hit by the Everly Brothers. This version is a little bit fancier than the published Harmony Explosion arrangement. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
This wonderfully intense ballad is great for contest. Flipside first sang it in most heartfelt fashion. Now top women’s groups such as MAXX Factor and Gem City have taken this song to a new level.
This may be the best song ever written, period. Couldn’t all of us fallible mortals use a little grace?
Do you share this secret vice? Are you just wild about this classic treat? Surely many of your audience members will be able to relate.
Yes, this song starts with the famous line “Oh, how we danced on the night we were wed.” It is just the right tune for this occasion. Continue reading “Anniversary Song”
A great show opener, this Broadway standard will get any performance off to an energetic start.
An eight-part song from Annie Get Your Gun that is a sure hit for a combined number with a chorus or quartet of the opposite sex. Can you guess who wins in the end? Also available in eight-part male and female versions.
The biggest hit from the musical Hair, this powerful song offers us hope still today. By the way, my college girlfriend and I saw the Broadway production back in 1969. When the cast invited any interested audience members to dance the finale with them on stage, up we went. So, yes, I have danced on the Broadway stage. You may touch the hem of my bell-bottoms the next time you see me. . . .
This song from The King works well for both princes and princesses. Give your audiences the royal treatment by singing them this heartfelt ballad. This piece is a real winner that expresses both sadness and hope. Continue reading “Are You Lonesome Tonight”
Hilarious Victor Herbert song for women only, requires a soprano who can sing high in operatic fashion.
Bobby Darin made this cheery song popular. This tune is just right for opening your shows with lots of happy energy. Anne Bureau has recorded the contest version for SSAA, and Chris Arnold has done the show version for TTBB.
These two love songs, debuted almost 100 years apart, are identical musically. Elvis has not left the building yet. The men’s version is available from the BHS; the women’s, from Sheet Music Plus under “Love Me Tender.”
Short and, um, sweet, this tune was sung by Homer Simpson’s quartet, The B Sharps. You don’t need a little diamond-shaped sign to show that you are so uncool as to be cool. Continue reading “Baby on Board”
Here is a sweet, light combination of “Sing Me a Baby Song” and “Baby.” Have fun crooning to your sweetheart with this lovely medley.
From the animated musical “The Jungle Book,” this delightful tune will charm audiences and judges alike. Storm Front sang it until they decided to be unremittingly hilarious.
Do you want to stay young, at least in your heart? Then this is the song for you.
Celebrating the surfer dude and dudette in all of us; songs include “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “In My Room” and “California Girls.”
Quite inspirational, this song in a unique mix of musical styles. It was arranged for the Stone Mountain (Ga.) Chorus and popularized by International champ Vocal Spectrum.
Here is a lovely pop song by Celine Dion, in the mold of “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” Sing it at weddings or any time love is in the air.
Mix of classical music and fun lyrics, a real kick; lyrics have a soap-opera theme, which could be changed.
What are these wonderful, romantic things that happen on the dance floor? Your can probably guess, and your audiences will love hearing about them.
Joseph sang this moving song to God in the animated film Joseph: King of Dreams. This arrangement has been a hit for quartet champions Power Play and Crossroads.
There are all sorts of goofy key changes and lyrics in this light-hearted spoof. Can be sung in contest. Hi-Fidelity was runner-up for the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America’s novelty song of the year award with this delightful number.
This clever tune is a sure winner with your audiences. What blew by you? The singer’s toupee! The piece has been a barbershop hit since international champion Power Play sang it and Crossroads subsequently picked up on it.
No joke, this is the straight version of the Roy Orbison song, covered so beautifully by Linda Ronstadt, among others. Your group can set a sultry Louisiana mood with this pop hit.
This unique rendering combines the verse from Rodgers & Hart’s original version from 1934 with the chorus of the swinging 1961 doo-wop hit. This may be the ultimate “Oh, yeah” song.
Step on the gas with this vintage Carl Perkins/Elvis Presley tune.
On just about everyone’s list of top 10 popular songs of all time, this song gets right to the heart of the downside of love. Do check out this most powerful, and contestable, piece.
The jumpin’ WWII tune made famous by the Andrews Sisters, this song is sure to please your audience members of all ages.
The lively pop hit by Neil Sedaka can now be sung in contest. Big fun awaits you! Anne Bureau has recorded women’s tracks for both the contest and show versions.
Pop/country hit about a father and daughter that is sure to go over big at weddings.
As cute as they come, this tune is available in regular and senior-citizens’ versions. Chris Arnold has recorded learning tracks for both versions. Do give this happy tune a try.
Here is one of the Everly Brothers’ finest tunes. The men’s, women’s and mixed versions of this lively tale of lost love are all published by the BHS, so you would order the arrangement from them.
Neil Sedaka wrote and sang this most fun tune. Now it is available for your group to sing in contest, even!
This classic from the Fab Four is not only lively and wise, it is contestable too (though SAI groups should check with a Music judge). But whether for contest or show, this song is a sure winner. “Everybody tells me so!” Tim Waurick’s tracks for women are purely great, and he now has them for men too.
The King sang this pop classic, so your audiences are sure to love being transported into the past by it.
A folky song written by Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul & Mary), this piece warms the heart during a cold time of year.
One of the most cheerful messes you will ever encounter, this potpourri crams a ton of tunes into 180 seconds. Think you can count them all in real time? Not likely. . . .
Songs do not come any more powerful than this classic. International quartet champion Musical Island Boys did a bang-up job on it in competition.
There are more fun songs in this medley than you can shake a squirting flower at: “Make ‘Em Laugh,” “Be a Clown,” “That’s Entertainment” and “Send in the Clowns.” This barrel (or clown car?) of laughs is no longer exclusive to the MegaCity Chorus.
A short, heartfelt intro for a college-days show, this song could be put into a medley with another college piece(s).
This doo-wop classic earned the Dell-Vikings a gold single in the golden year of 1957. The BHS publishes the men’s version of this sure winner.
Ella Fitzgerald made this tune famous. It is just right for pledging undying devotion at weddings and other happy occasions.
From the musical “Oliver,” this happy, lively tune can be sung in contest. International champ Power Play welcomed you to their family with this one.
Picture yourself at THE night club in 1930s Harlem. What might you hear? What would you see? They would be marvelous and exciting things, that is for sure. This medley is no longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.
Sung by the Everly Brothers, this poignant song of lost love makes a fine tempo ballad for contest or show. This one will sure take your audiences back. . . .
Hey, if this heartfelt closer about show biz is good enough for Bobby Darin, it should be a hit for your group too.
The Frankenstein monster can surely raise cane—well, when he is Able—but you should see him dance. If you have seen the film “Young Frankenstein,” you will be able to figure out what the main song in this monster medley is. This piece of lunacy goes well with the “Fabricating Frankie Medley.” No longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.
Yes, this is the Eagles’ big hit, and it can even be sung in contest. So “come to your senses” and give this heartfelt tale a try. Good news: This powerful arrangement, which had not been available for a few years, is now cleared via Sheet Music Plus!
It doesn’t get any better than the Everly Brothers singing about true love. Would make a fine addition to wedding vows.
This rousing song is from the musical “Les Miserables.” Your audiences’ hearts and guts will be surely be moved by your powerful performance. Although the song itself would fly in contest, this arrangement is intended for shows only.
Doing a British Invasion show? Maybe just a short package? Or perhaps your sense of humor runs toward the just plain silly! If so, then this 1924 novelty hit, revived by Lonnie Donegan in the ’60s, is the song for you!
“Have a little pity, leave my pleasure alone!” So sings the put-upon taxpayer. By the way, this is not the version sung by the 139th St. Quartet.
High energy is the name of the game with this lively number. The BHS publishes the men’s version.
For contest or show, this song is beloved by audiences and performers alike. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
Would you believe a contestable medley could be made of “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Burning Love” and “Viva Las Vegas”? You will have a blast singing this piece, one that is fit for a—well, the one and only—King.
A fine show opener, this is the theme song from the movie “The Sting.” Paul Newman and Robert Redford would be proud.b.b.b.
These lyrics from “Deck the Hall” are transplanted onto various other pieces, resulting in much good cheer.
No, we are not talking about Mr. Sinatra here. Rather, this is about a certain monster that was created by a mad scientist with a German-sounding name. Pair it with the “Dancing Frankie Medley.” No longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.
Wish your audiences a Merry Christmas in bilingual fashion. This lively chart is written for four voices plus percussion instruments. The BHS publishes the men’s version. Jen Cooke has recorded the SSAA tracks; Anne Bureau, with a little help from kept man Ig, the TTBB.
Love needs just a little more sometimes. You are sure to enjoy this gentle tune. It is no longer exclusive to Fermata Nowhere, so get it while it’s warm and sweet!
This Statler Brothers’ song puts an ironic twist on loneliness. And it won’t bother your audiences at all . . .
“Mr. Touchdown USA” and “Football Hero” comprise this All-American medley. Show your spirit by adding this high-energy piece to your repertoire.
Though this song is usually set as a dialog between two people (see the next entry), the song can work just fine for one soloist. So if you are like many groups and have just one soloist with the medium range, this piece could be just the ticket for you.
From the musical Wicked, this song features a heartfelt, intense dialogue between witches Elphaba and Glinda. If your group has two good soloists with medium to high voices, this is the ticket for you. This arrangement, and the sentiments of the song, work just fine for men as well. Tracks for the women’s version have been recorded by Shawn Thomas.
Stevie Wonder in barbershop? Absolutely! Indeed, this pop classic is even contestable.
Barry Manilow co-composed and performs this ballad, a powerful declaration of love. This tune would fit most weddings very well but works fine for almost all occasions.
Combines Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Sherry and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. This medley provides an opportunity for your tenor or falsetto-singing lead or bari (or even your bass?) to show off in fun fashion.
The great Irving Berlin composed this offbeat piece. Why in the world would a carefree civilian want to go back to the regimentation of the military? Irving tells you all about it in highly humorous fashion.
This tune from “My Fair Lady” is a sure hit with your audiences. International champ Power Play sang it delightfully, and it is now available to your group.
This song is beyond happy. “Ecstatic” might be a better word, as the both the highs and lows of glorious love are celebrated.
The rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears revived this 1941 Billie Holiday song in 1968. This tempo, bluesy ballad is as moving as they come. And here is a blessing for you: The piece is no longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.
These parodies will ring true to anyone with even a passing familiarity with this obsession, er, sport. Goes great with I’ve Been Workin’ on My Golf Game. A bonus is that all of the songs are in public domain, thus making copyright dealings a breeze.
Weird Al Yankovic penned and sang this highly, um, offbeat number. It probably sets a world’s record for backhanded compliments to one’s sweetie. Happily, this piece is contestable.
An enormously funny and interesting conglomeration, the arrangement is even contestable. This winner has been recorded by SAI queens The BUZZ. The medley bashes the opposite sex, well, just a little bit.
Written and performed by Billy Joel, this song is as intense as it gets. The Brothers in Harmony pretty much blew the place’s doors off in the chorus contest at the Philadelphia International.
Have yourself some fun with a little doo-wop barbershop. Sing this with tongue in cheek, yours or your sweetie’s. . . .
This pop hit is great for school-days shows. Or you can sing it to add some gentle enjoyment to any performance.
This lively, happy, nostalgic John Denver song is great fun for either sex to sing. Now available in contest and show versions. James Estes has recorded learning tracks for the contest chart.
Recorded by various country artists, this melancholy song is sure to move your audiences’ hearts. There are many ways to get back home, but this method is clearly not recommended. . . .
A pop hit for the Mindbenders (1966) and for Phil Collins (1988), the song has been sung lately by the King’s Singers. Makes a great solo for tenor or high lead/bari. The bass also gets some licks in too. Do have a look at this uniquely wonderful chart.
Arranged for eight-part mixed voices, this Amy Grant song is a wish list for a better world. So get together with a chorus or quartet of the other sex and move your audiences’ hearts with this gem.
Originally called “My Girl Sloopy,” this tune reached No.26 on the charts for the Vibrations in 1964. The McCoys had a No.1 hit with it the next year. By one account, the inspiration for the song was Dorothy Sloop, a jazz singer from Steubenville, Ohio—also the birthplace of Dean Martin—and a student at Ohio University. The Ohio State University marching band, which bills itself as The Best Damn Band in the Land, first played the song in October of 1965 and has made it a staple ever since. Try this most fun song with your group. Your audiences would probably enjoy singing along with you!
For Western shows, this is the quintessential Roy Rogers & Dale Evans song. I even had the chance to tell Dale personally about arranging her song in the barbershop style! Use this classic tune to end any performance, Western-themed or not.
Very funny for contest or shows, as sung by Shenanigans. Just how many things can go wrong today?
Allan Sherman’s novelty hit from the 1960s can be your group’s next winner! Check out this sad lad’s plaintive lament sent from summer camp.
Your quartet or chorus might want to, uh, help itself to this classic from the Beatles. The arrangement is partly lead solo and partly all-skate. So give it a shout, eh?
This country classic is as lively and cheery as they come. I promise you this will be extra fun for you to sing, and for your audiences to hear.
Lasting just a minute, with appropriate lyrics and a big tag, this tune is just right for opening shows. So, hey . . . look it over and then go ahead and open your shows with this energetic, positive piece!
This contestable medley from the musical Wildcat was sung by Power Play. With lots of energy built in, this piece makes a fine show-opener.
Now available for men too, this hilarious song of what happened in the back seat of the teen’s car is pretty darn unusual. Continue reading “Hickey”
This emphatic tune is arranged for four-part women’s voices with male solo. The fellow needs to be either a bass or a low baritone—low in more than one sense of the word? The arrangement is also available in German. That title translates as “Come, Drink Up, Jack.” Fun, eh? By the way, Anne Bureau’s tracks are actually five-part, with husband Ig typecast as the ne’er-do-well. (Just kidding, Igster.)
If you are addicterd to late-night TV, you are all too familiar with the commercials and infomercials. And you probably believe every word you hear about the products advertised, don’t you?
A purely delightful tune, Eggs tells of folks who don’t care, um, egg-zactly how their breakfast is cooked as long as a kiss and a hug are involved. Think Rock Hudson and Doris Day.
This inspirational classic is a hit on any show. Power Play put their family touch on this heartfelt tune. Many SSAA groups sing it as well, especially in the UK.
A contestable medley that is both slick and sweet, this piece was a hit for 2003 quartet champ Power Play. Hey, love is not always very easy to explain . . .
From the musical Girl Crazy, this swingy tune is a sure crowd-pleaser. But you had better have the rhythm in your soul if you want to pull it off.
You will have a lively chance to work out some of your love-related hostilities with this snappy medley.
Be young and in love again with this swingy, zippy tune. Try something new for contest. SAI carries the women’s version of this happy, lively song.
This popular classic is now available in two versions. One has the shimmering feel of the rock ‘n’ roll hit, while the other is a contestable tempo ballad as sung by Metropolis. The latter can be sung either straight or, as the quartet did it, humorously. Tim’s tracks are for the ballad version.
Popularized by Dusty Springfield in the ’60s, this happy love song was arranged for all of the LABBS ladies. Best to contact them for SSAA tracks. Shawn Thomas recorded the TTBB version.
A most humorous tune, as sung by The New Tradition quartet. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
From the classic animated film The Jungle Book, this song is great fun to, um, monkey around with.
A novelty hit for child singer Gayla Peevey in 1953, this seasonal tune is just strange enough to be big fun for you and your audiences.
Songs don’t get much prettier than this tempo ballad. The arrangement is patterned after Natalie Cole’s rendition, so it is bittersweet—more sweet than bitter—and heartfelt rather than being just energetic, as some barbershop renditions are. Do yourself a favor and check out this lush gem!
Dionne Warwick sang this classic by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Though arranged for the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers, the song works fine for men too. Continue reading “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”
A lively swing number, this contestable tune was a hit for SAI medalist ReMix for the women and BHS medalist SRO for the men. We can’t really be sure about love, can we? Please specify whether you would like to preview the original ReMix version (Kim’s tracks) or Mo Field’s revision (Donya’s tracks) with intro by Jay Giallombardo—or both!
Do you want an easy, happy way to profess your love? You won’t come to the end of your rope if you sing this easy-beat tune, which is no longer exclusive. So tie it up for your group!
This one is tough to explain. Think of a typical ’30s swing tune with modern lyrics like “hard-rock diet,” “in your face” and “MTV and AMC.” Way cool, and it is contestable too!
Everyone likes this fun, offbeat love song. Great for men and women alike, it is now available in both contest and show versions. Learning tracks have been recorded for the women’s contest chart and the men’s show version.
A goofy golden oldie, this English music hall song is quite repetitive, so you might want to make part of it a sing-along with your audience.
Bet you can guess what song this parodies. Also bet you can guess how much success the poor duffer experiences after all his or her hard work. This tune goes great in a contest set with the “Golf Medley.”
If you are not familiar with this song, do yourself a favor and find a clip of Elvis Presley singing it. This plaintive plea drives and drives and drives, as 2014 international champ Musical Island Boys showed us so well. In 2017 this song became a LABBS “polecat” number, sung by all of these British ladies.
From the animated film Monsters Inc., this happy tune was sung as a duet by Billy Crystal and John Goodman. As a bonus, the arrangement is contestable.
An old-time novelty number about a feisty Irishman, this tune shows a lot of Irish pride.
This traditional gospel tune is available in both barbershop and modern versions. At this most interesting time in history “we sure do need Him now,” wouldn’t you agree? Continue reading “If We Ever Needed the Lord Before”
The great Stephen Foster wrote many beautiful, poignant songs, as well as some lighthearted ones. Guess which kind this is. This song, as well as its composer, was featured at the 2015 Pittsburgh International convention.
The lovely Beatles tune is great for any combination of voices. Express your deep love sweetly and gently with this rock classic.
The Beach Boys’ story of teenage angst is surprisingly sweet and moving, and works well for singers of all ages. The BHS publishes the TTBB version; for SSAA, go to Sheet Music Plus. This short, easy song is a natural for Youth in Harmony groups.
This is a surprisingly strong contestable version of the old ballad. Do give it a look and listen.
The Boyz II Men redo of the classic doo-wop hit is popular with singers and listeners of all generations. The Society publishes the men’s version.
Patterned after the inspirational version sung by the Canadian Tenors, this song is purely beautiful. One might think of it as being similar to “Let There Be Peace on Earth” but with more specifics included. Such lyrics as “Where there is darkness, let me bring light” and “Where there Is hatred, let me bring love” show that one person can make a difference in this sometimes perilous world. Right now this chart is exclusive to the Scotianaires, but it will shake loose in a couple of years, so do keep a lookout for it—peacefully, of course. . . .
If your group has a soloist with lots of heart, this lovely tune will take your audiences back home to Ireland. It was the theme from the John Wayne movie The Quiet Man.
The King’s Singers sang this bittersweet song, which is available in both tenor- and bass-solo versions. This piece is purely lovely, “but it’s much too hard to write.”
From the musical Mame, this happy, driving song urges you to celebrate the day. It makes a really energetic opener and is great for both men and women.
Every voice part gets a solo in this lively, happy Christmas tune. Well-known composer and arranger Kirby Shaw has penned a winner here!
A little child prays for her Daddy, who is off to war. This song will bring a tear to your eye.
What do you do when your lover just ups and disappears one day? Do you run around like a chicken with its head cut off? Or do you take a, well . . . easier approach. This fun arrangement is no longer exclusive to Cahoots, so do keep it in mind, for a Western-type or any other kind of show.
Big fun is ahead when your group whips out its kazoos. The energy builds and builds to a great finish. This unique number is sure to delight your audiences.
Two brave lads are almost ready to slay dragons, rescue fair damsels, drink mass quantities of mead, and the like. Will they make the grade or . . . ?
This nutty compilation contains So Long, Mother; Back in the Old Routine; Side by Side; I Love a Parade; Chattanooga Choo Choo; Bright Was the Night; and (I’m Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over. Crazy enough for you? Check out the medley below.
And its partner piece is composed of these tunes: I Got Rhythm, Soft Shoe Song, Tonight, By the Light of the Silvery Moon and The Hokey Pokey. All these, and you get to wear swell costumes as well!
Spike Jones and His City Slickers did a bang-up job on this number way back when. There is plenty of room for fun, including making just about every sound effect you can think of.
Fine for either contest or show, this cheerful song helped Marquis win gold at the 1995 International, in Miami Beach. Though a bit rangy, this piece pretty much sings itself.
From way back in 1905, this tune is lots of old-fashioned fun. So come join Schmidt, Schmaltz, Heiny, Jake and Heinz in some crowd-pleasing antics. This song is published by the BHS.
A country tune with lots of heart, this plea to allow children to act their age is a real gem. It is no longer exclusive to the fine senior quartet Melodies & Memories.
A show closer with a great message, this song offers the best wish possible. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS, and it works great for women and mixed groups as well.
Tickets: check! Popcorn: check! Candy: check! Drinks: check! Come on in and grab the best seat in the house. The lights have been dimmed, the commercials and trailers are done, and now it is time for the main feature. Roll ’em! And you will be able to roll ’em too—as soon as the Scioto Valley Chorus has ended its run.
This powerful ballad, which has an anti-racist message, takes some nerve to sing. And it has been sung in contest, to great effect.
A most moving ballad, this was perhaps the signature song for the Interstate Rivals, the international champion quartet in 1987. The intense women’s version is The Little Girl, popularized by the SAI 1989 queens, Growing Girls.
The women’s version of The Little Boy, this powerful ballad helped both Growing Girls and Swinglish Mix become Sweet Adelines International Queens of Harmony.
Billy Joel’s hit is doo-wop barbershop at its most enjoyable—and familiar! The BHS publishes the TTBB, SSAA and SATB versions, with tracks, of this smash hit. (Kohl K and Tim W also have TTBB tracks.)
This beautiful piece is a rearrangement for SATB of the Society-published chart done by the great Joe Liles and me. It is fine for both mixed-barbershop and church groups.
This is a contestable version of a most powerful song. Judges in the Performance category have assured me that this song does not really function a religious number, but rather as a lament about feeling quite alone. The arrangement is no longer exclusive to the Brothers in Harmony, who sang it most dramatically in International competition.
This is a contestable editing of the barbershop classic. They don’t come any sweeter than this, so give the song a whirl. Continue reading “Lullaby in Ragtime, A”
The totally nonsensical lyrics of this tune make for lots of laughs. It is way, way silly.
Everybody’s waiting for him. And who is he? Why, Santa Claus, of course. Your group will enjoy singing this slick tune.
This seasonal medley combines two songs composed by the great Johnny Marks, “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Silver and Gold.” Your audiences are sure to enjoy the sweet sentiments expressed here.
Powerful, reverent song, this piece is a hit at Christmas or any other time of year. Available in male, female and mixed voices.
Everyone knows and loves this classic ballad from the turn of the last century. Will your dreams come true?
The Carpenters’ moving hit is available in various versions: women’s, men’s, mixed and as a solo plus four parts for a chorus specialty number. They don’t get any sweeter than this.
This C&W classic harmonizes just fine for barbershop and has multi-cultural appeal. A Spanish translation of the chorus is included. Sing both choruses to please a wide audience, even in contest.
This energetic uptune was arranged, and partially composed, for Michigan Jake. It was sung in a cartoon by the one and only Michigan J. Frog, for whom that gold-medal quartet is named. If your lead(s) can handle a disjunct melody—and words that are, in the words of great bass man Bill Myers, printed very close to the page—then this lively number is for you!
An all-time-great popular classic, this swingy tempo ballad is sure to please your audiences—and even the judges. Get down with this evocative, deep-blue tune. {Corny joke: What did the dark-blue cow do? It mooed indigo.)
This old-time medley contains “Bright Was the Night,” “Moonlight Bay” and “By the Light of the Silvery Moon.” How is that for some vintage classics?
All of your favorite uptunes are included here: “Jolly Holiday,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Step in Time” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” This medley is great for choruses, and even for quartets that have a lot of stamina!
When this song went all the way to #1 back in 1964, it was no miracle. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson—get it?—this happy tune of loyal love made in big on both the pop and R&B charts for Motown star Mary Wells. This tune will make your audiences smile, and you as well!
This beautiful hymn speaks of joy in the face of suffering. The lyrics are almost as strong as those of “It Is Well with My Soul,” which is saying something.
Tim McGraw sang and co-wrote this beautiful song. Guaranteed to melt any parent’s heart, this piece is no longer exclusive to the fine seniors quartet Melodies and Memories.
A truly gorgeous contest ballad medley, this piece is a clear winner. The interweaving of these two songs is really something special.
This witty song is popular with high school boys for some reason. Go figure. Of course, grownups like this Cincinnati Kids’ song even more.
This contestable version of a beautiful ballad is most sincere but also rather sophisticated. Do give this strong song a try.
This song of loneliness was beautifully written back in 1908. The composer really knew what he was doing, writing the melody such that a major ninth chord, a most melancholy sound, was required on “knows.” See what you think of this tune for your quartet or chorus. By the way, the Harmony U. 2016 Arranging 3 Class helped me out greatly with this one.
From the movie Mary Poppins Returns, this delightful song will take you on a natural high. You won’t be flying a kite—you will soar over the town, maybe even heading to the moon. This arrangement is fine for contests using the BHS judging system but might be more suitable for shows in the Sweet Adelines world.
Celtic Woman popularized this moving tribute to the spirit of the USA. Even singers and audiences from other lands will be touched by this powerful piece.
This old song requires some boldness to perform and is just fine for contest. Mayhem! moved many hearts with it in International competition. Does it fit your quartet or chorus?
This pop standard paints a lovely picture. Delight your audiences, and the judges too, with this sweet, swingy song.
What do you call a medley of Consider Yourself; Food, Glorious Food; and Who Will Buy? Big fun, that’s what! This high-energy contest piece is no longer exclusive to the Brothers in Harmony.
A new twist on an old favorite, this ballad is sure to move your audiences’ hearts. We cannot really recapture the past, can we?
This happy song of faith moves along with considerable energy. Manhattan Transfer made the piece famous—and your quartet or chorus can help it stay that way.
This tune is fun, lively and makes a great opener or closer. Short and to the point, It is available in both contest and show versions. Anne’s tracks go with the contest chart, and Drew’s and Jen’s with the show version. Really, though, either one is fine for competition these days.
No one doesn’t enjoy this easy-beat tune. It makes a fine change of pace for your performances.
Yes, it does work in contest. There are not many prettier ballads than this one around. Even more fun is that it can be sung as a swinging uptune too.
Have a look at this delightful combination of “You Can Fly!,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” “Captain Hook’s Waltz” and “The Chase.” We have here a unique mix of humor and heart that the child in you will purely love. Sing it in contest along with the beautiful ballad Second Star to the Right, which comes from the animated film Peter Pan.
This delightful magilla contains these tunes:
Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)
A Professional Pirate
Poor Pirates
On the Good Ship Lollipop
Pirates of the Caribbean Theme
So buckle your swashes and shiver your timbers (timbres?) and add this most entertaining piece to your repertoire!
Celtic Thunder sings this happy, lively, energetic, creative, wonderful, fantastic song. You owe it to yourself to check it out for your quartet or chorus. You just do! Can be sung with or without a backup band.
This gem of a Maori love song was originally arranged for The Ritz, who won quartet gold in 1991. They sang it with great success on a trip to New Zealand. The Musical Island Boys, our champ quartet in 2014, picked up on it, as have many other groups in that country. The lyrics are about half in English, but no worries, for Polynesian words are easy to sound out, and there are multiple performances on YouTube. By the way, this gentle tune is considered almost like a second national anthem for the Kiwis.
This fun meter parody is quite contestable. The lovable quartet Shenanigans had a hit with it, and so could your quartet or chorus.
A yo-ho-ho and a bottle of Captain Morgan’s, ye scurvy landlubbers! This clever song from the film Muppet Treasure Island will shiver your timbers for sure.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ride — well, a bicycle, anyhow — again. This light song is, well, delightful. If you don’t give this tune a try, you’re all wet!
This high-energy mix of Razzle Dazzle and Applause is no longer exclusive to the Phoenicians. Start off your performances with a Broadway flair!
From the hit musical and movie Chicago, this fast-paced song is quite lively and clever. So it’s time for you to “hypnotizzy” your audiences! Continue reading “Razzle Dazzle”
Country star Toby Keith sings this homage to his favorite container for adult beverages. The lead handles the funny, quirky recitation. This a different kind of love song. See—or sip—for yourself!
No, that is not a misprint. This snappy opener is a combo of Rock Around the Clock and Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay. Hey, it’s time for your group to rock out!
Four rock ‘n’ roll classics make this medley a winner: “Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay,” “Hound Dog,” “Tears on My Pillow” and “Blue Moon.” So, hey, let your eternal teenager out for a little while.
This stirring Jewish religious piece is right for believers of all faiths.
Originally arranged for a female soloist with men’s quartet or chorus, the piece is now available for five women’s voice parts. This seductive song is cool, hot and fun.
Brothers and Sisters, are you leading a life of sin and corruption? If so, this energetic, tongue-in-cheek song will set you on the righteous path. Okay, so it did not quite do the trick for the comedy quartet Up All Night, but it almost always works. Let me hear an “Amen!”
A beautiful ballad from the animated film Peter Pan, this song was debuted at the 2009 Anaheim International contest by The Alliance. Tim Waurick has recorded fine learning tracks for both men and women. While this piece stands alone just fine, it would make a lovely companion to a Peter Pan or pirate song or medley in contest.
Some surprise harmonies flavor this arrangement of the classic barbershop song. Power Play won gold with this upbeat, lively tune.
Yep, this is the hit song about the silhouettes on the shade. You and your audiences are invited to have large fun with this doo-wop classic with a surprise punch line! The BHS publishes all three versions—TTBB, SSAA and SATB—and carries tracks for all three, as do Kohl Kitzmiller and Tim Waurick for the TTBB chart.
Truly a rock’n’roll classic that will take your audiences back, this tune offers lighthearted fun. The BHS publishes the men’s version.
Inspired by the Andy Williams version of the holiday song, this arrangement features five key changes. That makes for a most energetic piece, for sure.
As sung by The New Tradition, Nightlife, Ringmasters, Weekend Edition, Instant Classic and many other groups, this piece is really powerful. You could close your shows with it or sing it in just about any other position. This arrangement is my all-time favorite. What’s more, it is contestable! Due to the publisher’s restrictions, you need to special-order this song from Janice Bane at the BHS.
This tender World War I song was debuted by champ quartet The New Tradition. The men’s version of this arrangement, including learning tracks, is published by the BHS.
It is just about impossible to go wrong with this beautiful tribute to the USA. Do give it a listen.
Who would have pictured this haunting song by the Carpenters being sung in contest? Well, one quartet did, and now your group can too.
Arranged to help the Dutch Association of Barbershop Singers (DABS) celebrate its 20th anniversary, this song is as strong as it gets. It has been used for protest and inspiration by a wide variety of oppressed groups, though anyone can relate to its powerful, uplifting message. A mixed version is now available.
I wrote and arranged this energetic song honoring music and other sounds of life around us. The men’s version is published by the BHS. There is now an SATB version for YMIH/YWIH singers, as well one for women’s voices. Some versions have my original tag, while others feature a powerful ending that pal Kirk Young stole—I mean, tastefully borrowed—from a different David Wright chart.
This rock and roll oldie celebrates party time—in a rather unusual way! The next time someone tells you you’re all wet, there will be no need to take offense. . . .
This fast piece definitely cooks, with a scat section for each voice part. There is nothing more fun than singing about music.
What? You don’t have a Led Zeppelin song in your repertoire? Well, isn’t it high time you got one? The answer is, maybe. For one thing, this arrangement requires an extra soloist or two, making it better suited to a chorus than quartet. Also, many of the tricky instrumental effects are reproduced vocally, making this piece very . . . not easy. But if your group can pull it off, your audiences are bound to go bonkers!
What could be sweeter than singing this McGuire Sisters’ piece of confection? Your quartet or chorus will find out you definitely have not bitten off more than you can chew.
First a barbershop hit for our 1956 champ quartet, the Confederates, this ballad is a real powerhouse. The arrangement is available as sung by 2003 champ Power Play and in a longer version perhaps better suited for choruses. Anne’s tracks are the former; Chris’s and Jen’s, the latter.
Great fun for singers and audiences alike, this lively tune is available in both contest and show versions. It is easily one of my most popular charts. Power Play sang it with much success, and it works just fine for any combination of voices. Kim’s tracks are for the contest version, but nowadays the slightly longer show version could be sung in competition just fine.
No one doesn’t love this happy, swingy tune. Your contest and show audiences are sure to enjoy hearing you sing it. So take a chance and sing through it. What have you got to lose?
From the musical Civil War, this song of a dying young soldier is most powerful, indeed. It makes a fine contest companion to the “Civil War Medley” of rousing uptunes. Both Power Play and The Alliance sang it in international competition.
You know how some songs are just plain fun? Well, this is one of them. John Denver’s popular classic can be a hit for your group too—whether you are really country or just pretending.
What could be more inspiring than singing about our music? This uplifting arrangement is no longer exclusive.
The rock hit performed by Buddy Holly, Linda Ronstadt and many others, this tune is a lot of uppity fun. Time to get snarky!
Swing Street on the ladies’ side and SRO for the men sang this energetic love medley. Pick up on this proven winner for your group.
That’s right: I love you! And I just cannot hide it. Everyone will enjoy this catchy pop standard.
Ragtime Joe may be just a little bit obstinate, but his taste in music is outstanding. Your audiences are sure to love this barbershop classic.
Even back in 1921, the older folks thought the young ones’ dances were just too racy. In the middle of this Irving Berlin song is an eclectic mix of “Blame It on the Bossa Nova,” “La Bamba,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “Hernando’s Hideaway.” You too can put your dancing shoes on now that the Granite Statesmen have debuted this piece at International.
This arrogantly fun uptune was debuted by our 1984 champs, The Rapscallions, and revived in most humorous fashion by popular medalist quartet Metropolis. More mature groups might want to sing this piece in Bb rather than C.
Nat “King” Cole sang this haunting song of lost love. Sad songs just do not get any prettier than this. Available in contest and show versions.
Here is a classic, poignant ballad about mother. Though not the version sung by 1986 champ Rural Route 4, this one is also pretty darn powerful.
A peppy Dixie uptune, this song is a solid choice for contest. Hey, you will be home . . . tomorrow.
This clever love song is just too marvelous not to sing. Hey, that is what international medalist State Line Grocery thought. How about you? Are you marvy enough?
A cool/hot show tune, this swingy number will have your audiences swaying in their seats and smiling from ear to ear.
This happy summer song is always in season. The BHS publishes the men’s version, of this tune, which is virtually a Polecat song in some places. Now available for SSAA and SATB mixed voices.
Don McLean composed and performed this lovely, haunting song. The poetry of McLean’s lyrics matches Van Gogh’s later, colorful paintings very well. This moving tune is sure to captivate your audiences.
There is plenty of rhythmic interest in this Christmas tune. It somehow manages to be both calm and lively at the same time—not to mention lots of fun.
And now for something completely different. This jazzy version of a song usually heard as a barbershop ballad is patterned after Frank Sinatra’s interpretation. If you have some swing in your soul, give this one a look and a listen.
This song of resilience and hope was composed by Leon Dubinsky, a songwriter from Sydney, Nova Scotia, for a 1984 stage musical titled The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton. The Rankin Family’s 1993 rendition popularized the song across Canada. The message of this song is certainly fitting for the time we live in. So lift your audience’s hearts, and your own, with this soaring song.
This lovely song of friendship says that although we are parting now, on some wonderful day our paths will cross. Its message applies any time, but in the year 2020 it seems even more poignant than usual.
A cute song for a group wid a criminal image, dis barbershopper-written tune is just plain moider!
Here are seven songs that could be the centerpiece to a Western-themed show: Back in the Saddle Again, Home on the Range, Deep in the Heart of Texas, The Yellow Rose of Texas, Clementine, Red River Valley and Oh Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie. This medley is also available in a shorter version.
This powerfully uplifting show song is sung by numerous women’s choruses. But, hey, it works just as well for men’s groups. For everyone, singing about our music is the best!
Ready to thumb your nose at fashion snobbery? With its ever-so-mildly risqué lyrics, this Mama Cass tune is bound to be hit, whether on the contest stage or in a show.
Voted the best barbershop ballad of all time by Arrangement judges, this song will touch your listeners’ hearts.
Are your superpowers—and maybe even some of your normal ones—fading away? If so, you will be able to relate to this clever parody. Not surprisingly, it goes well with the Aging Superheroes Medley.
Jazzy, fun, a natural for barbershoppers, this song is a sure winner. Jen Cooke’s tracks are for the show version, which has room for a bunch of improvised scat singing. The contest version is swell, too. Do check out one or the other—or both!
This Beatles’ song is always a kick, for singers and audience members alike. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Of course, you can vary the lyrics to reference any age that ends in a four.
What a beautiful song this is. A metaphor for the afterlife, the piece can be a great comfort at funeral and at other times as well.
A beautiful, heartfelt song, this is a pure joy to sing and listen to. Power Play debuted it, and it has since become a barbershop staple.
This pensive, timeless ballad has certainly stood the test of time. The reprise of the theme melody in the tag is a nice added touch.
There are not many lovelier, more touching Broadway ballads than this. A bonus is that this song is contestable. I often listen to Tim Waurick’s full mix of this arrangement just for enjoyment.
You may not be familiar with this song, but it is way cheerful and appealing. Your group wants to sing it; you just don’t know it yet. Anne Bureau has made some killer tracks to help you learn this tune fast.
Here is an easy-beat, contestable love song that is most gentle and enjoyable. This tune is now available in both men’s and women’s voicing.
This classic is a good candidate for the best popular song of all time. “And may all your Christmases be white!”
No doubt you have always pondered this timeless query. Though the song does not exactly provide you with the answer, your group will have big fun exploring the matter. So will your audiences, especially the listeners of a certain age—well, heck, any age!
A #1 hit for Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle in 1993, this lovely tune soars into the stratosphere to tell us of the joys of new love. And believe it or not, this song works just fine in BHS contests. So take a magic carpet ride on this theme song from the animated film Aladdin.
Marvelously energetic 8-parter about men and women working together, as sung by Friends.
Your audiences will love to do the movements associated with this song. This tune is sure to raise the energy level of your performance.
The lovely Beatles’ tune may be the most recorded of all time. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
Quite humorous Christmas tune about a kid who has been bad. This sure winner can be sung all year ’round.
The great Irving Berlin makes some of his best word plays in this delightful song. From the musical Annie Get Your Gun, this contestable tune is for women only.
Light and sweet, this Christmas tune will add sparkle to your holiday shows. Wouldn’t you like to meet it?
If you “hear music and there’s no one there,” get together with a quartet or chorus of the opposite sex and perform this lively, eight-part partner song. This one is a clear winner, a truce in the age-old battle of the sexes.
What’s not to like about this Carole King classic? Great for honoring a special person or delighting all of your audiences.
This is a highly cute song that lays down the law about fidelity. For sure it is for women only, and the ladies know how to sing it!
Great for contest, this ’50s ballad builds to a surprising level of power. The men’s version is published by the BHS, and the song is great for women as well.