Don’t Let Go (Love) by En Vogue
🕰 Style & Background
Style: Contemporary Pop (1990s R&B)
Originally recorded by: En Vogue
Arranged by: Natalie Cardillo
Language: English (USA)
🎯 Programming Use
✅ ICHSA/ICCA Opener
✅ A Cappella Concerts
✅ Pops Concerts
✅ Thematic Concerts(empowerment, heartbreak, vulnerability)
💡 Why This Piece Works
Make a statement and be remembered with a powerful unison introduction.
Every ICHSA judge made a comment about how impactful this opening moment was — never underestimate the power of unison singing!
From there, the arrangement unfolds into rich, close-knit jazz harmonies and layered textures that bring depth and emotion, especially through smart use of the lower vocal range. The arrangement keeps things grounded early on, saving the high notes for those explosive, roof-raising chorus moments.
Attitude is written into every part, making it genuinely fun for the entire group to sing and deliver the sass this song deserves.
Packed with “a cappella moments” — including a standout trio feature and a totally unhinged final chorus with extra ad-libs and riffing — this arrangement is built to hit hard and leave an impression.
🎵 Musical Characteristics
Melodic Range
Key and Tonality
Fluctuates between F Major and F Minor
Solfege Accessibility: Moderate — Must be comfortable with solfege in minor
🍎 Tips from the Teacher
Work on stark dynamic contrasts between sections
Swell through each “doo” in the jazz chords to give chords motion and energy
Lowest notes in Alto 2 can be barely sung and glossed over to avoid vocal strain
🧠 Food for Thought
When is it appropriate to belt vs. mix in this arrangement? Should this be decided per voice part or per each individual singer?
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