A-Tisket, A-Tasket (arr. David J. Elliott): Choral Instrumental Pak

Elliott's arrangement captures the playfulness of Fitzgerald's original while making the tune genuinely interactive for mixed ensembles. The optional jazz combo parts give you flexibility to scale from full group participation to a tighter instrumentation, so you can adapt based on who shows up to rehearsal and what your program needs.

Bright, nostalgic, and deeply swinging. The melody bounces with childlike delight while the harmony underneath reveals sophisticated jazz language, creating a piece that feels both timeless and immediately recognizable.

Choirs with jazz experience or strong musicianship skills who want to incorporate a standard into their repertoire without needing a full big band. Directors looking for a piece that works equally well in a concert setting or a jazz showcase.

• Balance the vocal line so it floats above the ensemble rather than fighting for space; the combo should lock the groove without overshadowing the melody.
• Treat the swing feel as conversational rather than metronomic. Fitzgerald's phrasing dances around the beat, so encourage singers to play with the rhythm section instead of drilling strict alignment.
• Check the chord voicings with your piano and bass players beforehand. Jazz standards often benefit from a quick agreement about comping style and when to lay out versus fill.
• Layer the arrangement by rehearsing parts separately first, then bringing sections together. This prevents the combo from covering ensemble details that need clarity.

Pair this with other vocal jazz standards to build a short jazz set, or feature it as a standalone opener to shift the energy in a mixed concert. It also works beautifully as an encore when you want to leave the audience smiling.

• Singing through jazz chord changes with accurate intonation
• Coordinating with a rhythm section and responding to comping
• Interpreting swing articulation and phrasing
• Reading optional instrumental parts flexibly based on ensemble size
• Balancing blend when vocals sit alongside a combo