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. Continue reading 50,000 Names
Learning Tracks Men’s
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive
Brothers and sisters, are you ready to eliminate the negative? Then just latch on to this lively tune and help spread the word!
After Dark
Power Play sang this lively update of the classic barbershop favorite. Have fun with the patter and the reverse patter.
After the Ball
This classic features a new verse and contains deceptively strong sentiment. Take your audiences back in time with this timeless tale.
Aging Superheroes Medley
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.
Alabama Jubilee
This lively uptune has a strong Dixie feel to it. Time to get happy in a Southern sort of way.
All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart
A melancholy, powerful ballad, this song mourns a lost love. Can this love be saved. Continue reading All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart
All I Have to Do Is Dream
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.
All the Way
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.
Amazing Grace
This may be the best song ever written, period. Couldn’t all of us fallible mortals use a little grace?
Anniversary Song
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
Another Op’nin’, Another Show
A great show opener, this Broadway standard will get any performance off to an energetic start.
Are You Lonesome Tonight
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
As Long As I’m Singin’
Bobby Darin made this cheery song popular. This tune is just right for opening your shows with lots of happy energy.
Aura Lee/Love Me Tender
These two love songs from different eras are exactly the same musically. Elvis has not left the building yet. The men’s version is published by the BHS.
Baby on Board
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
Baby Song Medley
Here is a sweet, light combination of “Sing Me a Baby Song” and “Baby.” Have fun crooning to your sweetheart with this lovely medley.
Bare Necessities
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.
Be My Life’s Companion
Do you want to stay young, at least in your heart? Then this is the song for you.
Beach Boys Medley
Celebrating the surfer dude and dudette in all of us; songs include “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “In My Room” and “California Girls.”
Beautiful Savior
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.
Better Than I
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.
Blew by You
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 champions Power Play sang it and Crossroads subsequently picked up on it.
Blue Moon
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.
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
The jumpin’ WWII tune made famous by the Andrews Sisters, this song is sure to please your audience members of all ages.
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
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.
Butterfly Kisses
Pop/country hit about a father and daughter that is sure to go over big at weddings.
Button Up Your Overcoat
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.
Bye Bye Love
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.
Calendar Girl
Neil Sedaka wrote and sang this most fun tune. Now it is available for your group to sing in contest, even!
Can’t Buy Me Love
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.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
The King sang this pop classic, so your audiences are sure to love being transported into the past by it.
Clown Medley
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.
College Years
A short, heartfelt intro for a college-days show, this song could be put into a medley with another college piece(s).
Come Go with Me
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.
Come Rain or Come Shine
Ella Fitzgerald made this tune famous. It is just right for pledging undying devotion at weddings and other happy occasions.
Consider Yourself
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.
Cotton Club Medley
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.
Crying in the Rain
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. . . .
Dancing Frankie Medley
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.
Desperado
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!
Devoted to You
It doesn’t get any better than the Everly Brothers singing about true love. Would make a fine addition to wedding vows.
Do You Hear the People Sing?
This rousing song is from the musical “Les Miserables.” Your audiences’ hearts and guts will be moved, and the song itself would even fly in contest, though this arrangement is better off used for shows.
Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor (On the Bedpost Over Night)
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!
Don’t Put a Tax on the Beautiful Girls
“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.
Down by the Riverside
High energy is the name of the game with this lively number. The BHS publishes the men’s version.
Dream a Little Dream of Me
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.
Elvis Medley
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.
Entertainer, The
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.
Fa-La-La
These lyrics from “Deck the Hall” are transplanted onto various other pieces, resulting in much good cheer.
Fabricating Frankie Medley
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.
Feliz Navidad
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.
Five Minutes More
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!
Flowers on the Wall
This Statler Brothers’ song puts an ironic twist on loneliness. And it won’t bother your audiences at all . . .
For Once in My Life
Stevie Wonder in barbershop? Absolutely! Indeed, this pop classic is even contestable.
Forever and a Day
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.
Four Seasons Medley
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.
Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army
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.
Get Me to the Church on Time
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.
God Bless the Child
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.
Golf Medley
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.
Good Enough for Now
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.
Goodbye Medley
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.
Goodnight Saigon
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.
Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight
Have yourself some fun with a little doo-wop barbershop. Sing this with tongue in cheek, yours or your sweetie’s. . . .
Graduation Day
This pop hit is great for school-days shows. Or you can sing it to add some gentle enjoyment to any performance.
Grandma’s Feather Bed
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.
Green Green Grass of Home
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. . . .
Groovy Kind of Love, A
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.
Happy Trails
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.
Have a Nice Day
Very funny for contest or shows, as sung by Shenanigans. Just how many things can go wrong today?
Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah
Allan Sherman’s novelty hit from the 1960s can be your group’s next hit. Check out this boy’s plaintive lament sent from summer camp.
LEARNING TRACKS AVAILABLE:
- Daniel Gillis | http://www.vocalharmonies.com
Help!
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?
Hey, Good Lookin’
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.
Hey, Look Me Over
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!
Hey, Look Me Over/If My Friends Could See Me Now!
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.
Hooey
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?
How D’Ya Like Your Eggs in the Morning
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.
I Believe
This inspirational classic is a hit on any show. Power Play put their family touch on this heartfelt tune. Continue reading I Believe
I Don’t Know Enough About You/I Don’t Know Why
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 . . . Continue reading I Don’t Know Enough About You/I Don’t Know Why
I Only Want to Be with You
Popularized by Dusty Springfield in the ’60s, this happy love song was arranged for all of the LABBS ladies.
I Used to Call Her Baby
A most humorous tune, as sung by The New Tradition quartet. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
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.
I’ll Never Say “Never Again” 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 or Mo Field’s revision with intro by Jay Giallombardo—or both!
I’ll String Along with You
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!
I’m Beginning to Like It
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!
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
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.
I’m Henry VIII, I Am
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.
I’ve Been Workin’ on My Golf Game
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 I Can Dream
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.
If I Didn’t Have You
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.
If You’ve Only Got a Moustache
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.
In My Life
The lovely Beatles tune is great for men and women alike. Express your deep love sweetly and gently with this hit song.
In My Room
The Beach Boys’ story of teenage angst is surprisingly sweet and moving, and works well for singers of all ages. The BHS publishes the men’s version. This short song is a natural for Youth in Harmony groups of both sexes.
In the Evening by the Moonlight
This is a surprisingly strong contestable version of the old ballad. Do give it a look and listen.
In the Still of the Nite
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.
It’s Today
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.
Jamaican Noel
Every voice part gets a solo in this lively, happy Christmas tune. Well-known composer and arranger Kirby Shaw has penned a winner here!
Just A-Sittin’ and A-Rockin’
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.
Kazoo Koncerto
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.
Knight School Medley
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 . . . ?
Knighthood Quest Medley
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.
Knighthood Rhythm Medley
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!
Lazy River (Up a)
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.
Leader of the German Band
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.
Let Them Be Little
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.
Let There Be Peace On Earth
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.
Little Black Me
This powerful ballad, which has an anti-racist message, takes some nerve to sing. And it has been sung in contest, to great effect.
Little Boy, The
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.
Longest Time, The
Billy Joel’s hit is doo-wop barbershop at its most enjoyable. The BHS publishes the men’s version, and the song works great for the ladies as well.
Lord’s Prayer
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.
Lost in the Stars
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.
Lullaby in Ragtime, A
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
Lunatic’s Lullaby, The
The totally nonsensical lyrics of this tune make for lots of laughs. It is way, way silly.
Man with the Bag, The
Everybody’s waiting for him. And who is he? Why, Santa Claus, of course. Your group will enjoy singing this slick tune.
Mary, Did You Know
Powerful, reverent song, this piece is a hit at Christmas or any other time of year. Available in male, female and mixed voices.
Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland
Everyone knows and loves this classic ballad from the turn of the last century. Will your dreams come true?
Merry Christmas, Darling
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.
Mexicali Rose
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.
Michigan Rag
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!
Moon Medley
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?
My Fair Lady Medley
All of your favorites are included here. Great for choruses, and maybe even quartets, of both sexes.
My Guy
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!
My Little Girl
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.
My Romance/It’s You
A truly gorgeous contest ballad medley, this piece is a clear winner. The interweaving of these two songs is really something special.
My Wife Is on a Diet
This witty song is popular with high school boys for some reason. Go figure. Of course, grownups like this Cincinnati Kids’ song even more.
Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
This contestable version of a beautiful ballad is most sincere but also rather sophisticated. Do give this strong song a try.
No One Knows
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.
Old Black Joe
This old song requires some boldness to perform and is just fine for contest. Mayhem! did a fine job on it. Does it fit your quartet or chorus?
Old Cape Cod
This pop standard paints a lovely picture. Delight your audiences, and the judges too, with this sweet, swingy song.
Oliver Medley
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.
Once Upon a Time
A new twist on an old favorite, this ballad is sure to move your audiences’ hearts. We cannot really recapture the past, can we?
Operator
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.
Orange Colored Sky
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.
Peg o’ My Heart
No one doesn’t enjoy this easy-beat tune. It makes a fine change of pace for your performances.
Peter Pan Medley
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.
Pokarekare Ana
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 in 2014, picked up on it too, 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.
Pretty Baby
This fun meter parody is quite contestable. The lovable quartet Shenanigans had a hit with it, and so could your quartet or chorus.
Professional Pirate
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.
Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head
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!
Razzapple Medley
This high-energy mix of Razzle Dazzle and Applause is no longer exclusive to the Phoenicians. Start off your performances with a Broadway flair!
Razzle Dazzle
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
Rock and Roll Medley
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.
Rock of Ages, Let Our Song
This stirring Jewish religious piece is right for believers of all faiths.
Santa Baby
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.
Saved
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!”
Second Star to the Right
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 medley in contest.
Side by Side
Some surprise harmonies flavor this arrangement of the classic barbershop song. Power Play won gold with this upbeat, lively tune.
Silhouettes (On the Shade)
Truly a rock’n’roll classic that will take your audiences back, this tune offers lighthearted fun. The BHS publishes the men’s version.
Sleigh Ride
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.
Smile
As sung by The New Tradition, Nightlife, Ringmasters 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. It works well for BHS, HI, etc. contests, but I am not sure about SAI.
So Long, Mother
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.
So Many Voices Sing America’s Song
It is just about impossible to go wrong with this beautiful tribute to the USA. Do give it a listen.
Solitaire
Who would have pictured this haunting song by the Carpenters being sung in contest? Well, one quartet did, and now your group can too.
Something Inside So Strong
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.
Sound Celebration
I wrote and arranged this energetic song honoring music and other sounds of life around us. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. There is now an SATB version for YMIH/YWIH singers, as well one for women’s voices.
Spreadin’ Rhythm Around
This fast piece definitely cooks, with a scat section for each voice part. There is nothing more fun than singing about music.
Sunshine of Your Smile, The
First a barbershop hit for the 1956 champ Confederates, this ballad is a real powerhouse. This arrangement is available as sung by 2003 champ Power Plan and in a longer version better suited for choruses.
Swinging on a Star
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 the ladies as well.
Tell My Father
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 have sung it in international competition.
Thank God I’m a Country Boy
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.
Thank You for the Music
What could be more inspiring than singing about our music? This uplifting arrangement is no longer exclusive.
That’ll Be the Day
The rock hit performed by Buddy Holly, Linda Ronstadt and many others, this tune is a lot of uppity fun.
That’s My Weakness Now/That Certain Party
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.
There’ll Be No New Tunes on This Old Piano
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.
They Call It Dancing
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.
They Go Wild, Simply Wild over Me
This arrogantly fun uptune was debuted by our 1984 champs, The Rapscallions, and revived in most humorous fashion by popular medalist quartet Metropolis.
Thousand Thoughts of You, A
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
Tie Me to Your Apron Strings Again
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.
Tomorrow
A peppy Dixie uptune, this song is a solid choice for contest. Hey, you will be home . . . tomorrow.
Tuxedo Junction
A cool/hot show tune, this swingy number will have your audiences swaying in their seats and smiling from ear to ear.
Under the Boardwalk
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 SATB mixed voices.
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
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.
Virgin Mary (Had a Baby Boy)
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.
Way You Look Tonight, The
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.
Western Medley
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.
When I Lost You
Voted the best barbershop ballad of all time by Arrangement judges, this song will touch your listeners’ hearts.
When I Lost You (Aging Superheroes Parody)
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.
When I’m Sixty-Four
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.
When the River Meets the Sea
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.
When There’s Love at Home
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.
When You and I Were Young, Maggie
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.
Where Is Love?
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.
Whispering
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.
White Christmas
This classic is a good candidate for the best popular song of all time. “And may all your Christmases be white!”
Whole New World
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.
Y.M.C.A.
Your audiences will love to do the movements associated with this song. This tune is sure to raise the energy level of your performance.
Yesterday
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.
You Ain’t Gettin’ Diddly Squat
Quite humorous Christmas tune about a kid who has been bad. This sure winner can be sung all year ’round.
You Meet the Nicest People
Light and sweet, this Christmas tune will add sparkle to your holiday shows. Wouldn’t you like to meet it?