Choral Choir (SATB divisi) - Level 5 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.796815

By The Band. By J.R. Robertson. Arranged by Eric Hagmann. A Cappella. Octavo. 14 pages. Eric Hagmann #3911445. Published by Eric Hagmann (A0.796815).

An SSATB + duet vocal jazz arrangement of The Weight (Take a Load Off, Annie) by The Band.  This chart reimagines The Band's original song as an a cappella swing tune straight out of the 1940's.  The bottom voice thumps along on neutral syllables of your choosing just as an upright bassist would in the big band.  If you don't have any singers who can take on this part, an actual bass instrument could be substituted.  The guitar accompaniment of the original song is now replaced by complex jazz harmonies and rhythms sung by your upper voices to compliment your soloists.  The last 1/3rd of the song has a breakdown that layers and overlaps your voices one by one until they come together for a final build into the last chorus.  This section also offers an opportunity for a small quartet to sing an optional harmony part. 

While this piece is challenging, it offers a unique spin on an old classic that will surely hold your audience's attention if performed well.  .