***40th ANNIVERSARY***

A Donna Summer hit from post-disco / new wave era (1983), She Works Hard for the Money is more than a fun pop piece. The song tells a story of a hard-working blue-collar woman, based on inspiration Summer found after the 25th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony (23 Feb 1983) when she attended an after-party. She encountered a restroom attendant named Onetta Johnson (whose name is mentioned in the song) whom she found sound asleep - despite a blaring TV - exhausted from working long hours.

Summer related the story in an interview: I looked at her and my heart just filled up with compassion for this lady, and I thought to myself: God, she works hard for the money, cooped up in this stinky little room all night. Then I thought about it, and I said, She works hard for the money... She works hard for the money...This is it! This is it! I know this is it! 

The arrangement opens with an a cappella introduction in full harmony. The melody moves between the altos and sopranos, with each part otherwise providing rhythmic support (echoing the instrumental accompaniment). The sopranos divide into 3 parts occasionally, allowing some high voices (A-flat) to shine. There are no solos in this arrangement -- your women all have opportunity to sing this powerful, true story that serves more broadly as an allegory for women's rights and socioeconomic hardship. The arrangement is a show-stopper, bound to get audiences clapping and even up out of their seats! 

Set of band parts & full conductor's score available separately: Trumpet, Tenor Sax, Synth, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drum Set.