A classic patriotic song, this piece celebrates the USA in a positive way.
Openers & Closers
Another Op’nin’, Another Show
A great show opener, this Broadway standard will get any performance off to an energetic start. Continue reading Another Op’nin’, Another Show
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. Continue reading As Long As I’m Singin’
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Mix of classical music and fun lyrics, a real kick; lyrics have a soap-opera theme, which could be changed. Continue reading Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Blue Skies
Written by Irving Berlin, this cheery tune was a last-minute addition to the Rodgers and Hart musical Betsy. The song was an immediate hit, with the audience on opening night demanding an astounding 24 encores from star Belle Baker! Would you settle for just one encore from your listeners?
Broadway on Opening Night
This uptune moves right along and is great for a Broadway show theme. Come to think of it, you could open any of your performancew with this lively number.
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. Continue reading Bye Bye Love
Candle in the Wind
This is Elton John’s moving tribute to Princess Diana. The lyrics of this beautiful song still resonate today.
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.
Curtain Falls, The
Hey, if this heartfelt closer about show biz is good enough for Bobby Darin, it should be a hit for your group too. Continue reading Curtain Falls, The
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.
Do You Remember These?
This Statler Brothers’ tune revives all sorts of ’50s nostalgia. The arrangement could even be redone for contest.
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.
Everything’s Coming Up Roses
This Broadway show opener is ultra-optimistic. Better take your 5-Hour Energy drink!
Get Me to the Girl Medley
An ultra-cool combination of Get Me to the Church on Time and The Girl That I Marry, this medley is both hip and loving. No longer exclusive to Alchemy.
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. Continue reading Goodbye Medley
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.
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. Continue reading Hey, Look Me Over/If My Friends Could See Me Now!
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. Continue reading It’s Today
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. Continue reading Let There Be Peace On Earth
Let’s Do It Again
This uptune about the good old days helped the Grand Tradition win a medal back in the day. It can be sung in a driving way or as an easy-beat. Though it sounds pretty old, this happy piece was actually written in the 1950s.
May You Always
A modernish tempo ballad, this tune is suitable for contest. It conveys a sweet sentiment with powerful, creative lyrics and images. Have a look and a listen. . . .
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. Continue reading Orange Colored Sky
Smell the Flowers
This country hit tells us to enjoy life right now. Hey, when else is there?
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. Continue reading Smile
Taps
The origins of “Taps” date back to American Civil War. This bugle call began as a lights-out signal to soldiers at night but now is played at military funerals and memorials. Though not a cheery song, it can be very powerfully sung when the occasion calls for it.
Thank You for the Music
What could be more inspiring than singing about our music? This uplifting arrangement is no longer exclusive. Continue reading Thank You for the Music
Thank You Very Much
Looking for a short song to close your shows with? How does one minute of happy thanks sound to you? Lots of fun and energy in this piece, so give it a whirl.
Thank You, World
A great Statler Brothers’ tune honoring music, this song is heavy on old-fashioned values and references.
Thanks for the Memory
Bob Hope’s theme song is just the thing to close your show with. Some of the lyrics have been changed to provide barbershop references. Nice, eh?
That’s Entertainment
A fine show opener in the Broadway tradition, this song offers plenty of clever, energetic fun.
We Are a Gentle, Loving People
Singer and lesbian activist Holly Near wrote this song after the 1978 assassination of Harvey Milk. Milk had been the first openly gay person elected to high office in California. There are many verses to this song, and you can make up your own easily enough. This powerful song is also called “We Are a Gentle, Angry People.”
What Would I Do Without My Music
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! Continue reading What Would I Do Without My Music
When I Sing
Jazzy, fun, a natural for barbershoppers, this song is a sure winner. Do check it out. Continue reading When I Sing
Wind Beneath My Wings, The
Here is the inspirational Bette Midler hit about the man behind the woman, or vice versa. Do give this powerful piece a try. The arrangement is now available for SATB mixed voices, where it also fits very nicely.
With Two Wings
Marvelously energetic 8-parter about men and women working together, as sung by Friends. Continue reading With Two Wings