Michael Shimp, Show Choir R&R Cahir
Elevating Your Show Choir: A Guide to Collaborating with Arrangers
As the Show Choir Season is coming to an end, we all begin the new adventure of creating a new Show Choir Show for next year. A new season to build also comes with the other items that are on many to-do lists from selecting your choreographer, costumes, contest, budgeting, selecting your music and collaborating with your arranger. This is sometimes the most rewarding collaboration you may have at the beginning of your show design. If you do not already have an arranger that you work with or you want to experience new ideas from other arrangers, this can be a very tasking and tedious process.
I have asked the founder of ShowChoir.com Haakon Sundry to help me with this process. Sundry has an extensive list of Arrangers, Choreographers and Show Designers on his website. If you are not familiar with showchoir.com you need to be! This is becoming one of the leading Show Choir resources for the entire Nation.
Show choirs captivate audiences with dynamic performances that blend vocal excellence, choreography, and storytelling. Central to this art form is the music arrangement of custom crafted scores, that breathe life into a Show Choir’s vision. For educators, navigating the world of show choir arrangers can be daunting. I have asked several Arrangers to help provide a roadmap to connect, streamline collaborations, and elevate your program.
Why Collaborating with Arrangers Matters
Arrangers transform your creative vision into tailored musical pieces that highlight your choir’s strengths. They ensure seamless integration of vocals, choreography, and instrumentation, making them indispensable partners.
How to Access Show Choir Arrangers
- Attend National ACDA Conventions.
- Attend ACDA Southwestern Regional Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico to meet arrangers in person. The annual conference often features showcases and networking sessions.
- R&R Chair Recommendations: Request a curated list of arrangers familiar with the show choir’s unique demands.
- www.showchoir.com has a great list of arrangers that specialize in Show Choir arrangements as well as choral literature.
- https://www.productionsmag.com/
- Ask fellow Show Choir Directors.
What Educators Need to Know Before Hiring an Arranger
- Clarity of Vision: Provide a theme, repertoire ideas, and stylistic preferences.
- Logistics: Share deadlines, budget constraints, and ensemble specifics (e.g., vocal ranges, instrumentation).
- Legal Considerations: Discuss licensing for copyrighted material. Many arrangers handle this, but confirm upfront.
- Communication: Establish preferred channels (email, Zoom) and schedule check-ins.
Tips for Successful Collaboration
- Start Early: Arrangements can take weeks; begin 6–8 months before performances.
- Trust Their Expertise: Be open to suggestions—arrangers know what works on stage.
- Feedback Loop: Review drafts promptly and communicate adjustments clearly.
Show choir arrangers are the unsung heroes behind unforgettable performances. By leveraging the ACDA Southwestern Connection’s resources and fostering proactive partnerships, educators can unlock their choir’s full potential. Reach out to the R&R Chair today, and let the music begin!
Below are arrangers with public contact details. Along with those arrangers are some selected titles that they wanted to share with SWACDA for your perusal.
David Legg
Good Day/ Check it Out / Real Good Feeling – YouTube Link
The World is Ours / Vida / Celebrate – YouTube Link
Additional insight – Happy to discuss the “in’s & out’s” of obtaining copyright if this process is new to you. Also, offer consultation services on show design – song selection, costuming, set design, etc.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.davidleggarrangements.com
Jeremy Landig
If directors want to see and hear a full demo, they need only send me an email. I am also able
to put together vocal demos and practice mp3s in-house.
Check out some perusal titles and tracks from Jeremy HERE
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.landigmusic.com
What Educators Need to Know Before Hiring an Arranger
- Clarity of Vision: Provide a theme, repertoire ideas, and stylistic preferences.
- Logistics: Share deadlines, budget constraints, and ensemble specifics (e.g., vocal ranges, instrumentation).
- Legal Considerations: Discuss licensing for copyrighted material. Many arrangers handle this, but confirm upfront.
- Communication: Establish preferred channels (email, Zoom) and schedule check-ins.
Tips for Successful Collaboration
- Start Early: Arrangements can take weeks; begin 6–8 months before performances.
- Trust Their Expertise: Be open to suggestions—arrangers know what works on stage.
- Feedback Loop: Review drafts promptly and communicate adjustments clearly.
Show choir arrangers are the unsung heroes behind unforgettable performances. By leveraging the ACDA Southwestern Connection’s resources and fostering proactive partnerships, educators can unlock their choir’s full potential. Reach out to the R&R Chair today, and let the music begin!
Below are arrangers with public contact details. Along with those arrangers are some selected titles that they wanted to share with SWACDA for your perusal.
Garrett Breeze
Email: [email protected]
Websites: https://garrettbreeze.com
Anita Cracauer
Check out some perusal titles and tracks from Anita HERE
Email: [email protected]
Website: ShowChoirStock.com
Additional List of Arrangers from Showchoir.com
- Brock Keiper – [email protected]
- Dan Scoville – [email protected]
- Drew Firkins – [email protected]
- Hersel Cremeans – [email protected]
- Kevin Duggan – [email protected]
- Luke Furman – [email protected]
- Nick Brockamp – [email protected]
