Finding the right musical theatre song for a small group can be tricky. You need a piece that showcases each singer's individual talents while also creating a cohesive and impactful performance. This isn't about finding just any song; it's about finding the perfect song that fits your group's vocal ranges, style, and the overall message you want to convey. This guide will help you navigate the selection process, offering tips and suggestions for finding that winning small group number.
What Makes a Great Small Group Musical Theatre Song?
Before diving into specific song suggestions, let's establish some key criteria:
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Vocal Range Variety: The best small group songs offer a range of vocal parts, allowing each singer to shine within their comfortable range. Avoid songs where everyone is singing the same melody; you want harmony, counterpoint, and individual moments to shine.
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Character Opportunities: Look for songs with distinct characters or roles within the piece. This allows for personality and acting choices to add another layer to the performance.
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Emotional Impact: Choose a song that has emotional depth and allows for genuine expression. A song that simply sounds good isn't enough; it needs to resonate with the audience.
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Arrangement Flexibility: Consider the flexibility of the arrangement. Can you adapt it to suit your specific group's strengths and weaknesses? Can you adjust the key or add harmonies to best suit your vocal blend?
Finding Songs Based on Genre and Style
The style of music you choose greatly influences the overall impact. Here are some genre considerations:
1. Upbeat and Energetic:
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Pop-infused Musical Theatre: Many contemporary musicals offer great small group numbers with catchy melodies and exciting harmonies. Think of songs from shows like Mean Girls, Dear Evan Hansen, or Six. These often have a strong pop influence, making them accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
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Classic Broadway: Even classic musicals contain gems suitable for small groups. Consider carefully selecting sections from larger pieces or finding songs originally written for smaller ensembles.
2. Ballad-Style and Emotional:
- Moving and Reflective: Many musicals feature powerful ballads perfect for showcasing vocal control and emotional depth. Look for songs from musicals like Les Misérables, Into the Woods, or Wicked that focus on intimate moments and powerful emotions. These often feature interwoven harmonies and emotional solos.
3. Comedy and Upbeat:
- Lighthearted and Fun: These songs are perfect for bringing a sense of fun and playfulness to your performance. Consider exploring songs from musicals like Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray, or Crazy For You. Focus on witty lyrics and infectious melodies to create a delightful experience.
H2: Where to Find Small Group Musical Theatre Songs?
Finding the perfect song often requires some digging. Here are some excellent resources:
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Sheet Music Websites: Sites like Musicnotes.com or SheetMusicPlus.com offer vast catalogs of musical theatre sheet music, allowing you to browse by title, composer, or style.
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Vocal Score Collections: Vocal scores often include arrangements for smaller ensembles, making it easier to find appropriate material.
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YouTube and Streaming Services: While you can't legally use these for performance, they can be excellent resources for discovering new songs and finding inspiration. Listen to cast recordings and look for sections suitable for your group.
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Musical Theatre Anthologies: Many anthologies curate selections from a range of musicals, making them useful for finding a variety of styles and songs.
H2: What are some popular small group musical theatre songs?
This is entirely dependent on the style, vocal ranges, and desired emotional impact of your performance. There isn't a definitive "best" song, but here are some examples to spark your search:
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"Suddenly Seymour" (Little Shop of Horrors): This fun, upbeat duet is perfect for showcasing two contrasting vocal styles.
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"The Story of Us" (The Bridges of Madison County): This poignant duet offers a powerful emotional core, great for showcasing vocal control and emotional range.
H2: How do I choose a song that fits my group's vocal ranges?
This is crucial. Before choosing a song, carefully assess your group’s vocal ranges – soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass. Select a song whose individual parts comfortably fit within your singers' ranges. Transposing the song to a more suitable key might be necessary.
H2: How do I arrange a song for a small group if it's originally written for a larger ensemble?
This requires musical expertise. You can either simplify the arrangement yourself (if you have the musical skills) or seek the help of a musical director who can adapt the piece to suit your specific group's size and vocal capabilities.
Remember, the key to finding the perfect small group musical theatre song is careful consideration of your group's capabilities, the desired emotional impact, and the overall message you want to convey. Happy searching, and break a leg!
