A Wink And A Smile Sheet Music Preview

A Wink And A Smile: SSA Choral Octavo

As performed by Marc Shaiman / As performed by Ramsey McLean / As performed by Harry Connick Jr. / Arranged by John Leavitt

Item: 35-DS00293722

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 6
SKU: 35-DS00293722

More about this title

About the Artist: Marc Shaiman

Marc Shaiman is a composer and arranger whose work spans film, television, and theater. His distinctive approach to melody and orchestration has earned him Academy Award and Grammy nominations, and his ability to craft songs that are both immediately accessible and musically sophisticated makes him a valuable resource for music educators seeking contemporary material with real commercial appeal.

Shaiman's arrangements often prioritize singability without sacrificing harmonic interest, a quality that translates well to the choral classroom. His work demonstrates how popular music can be treated with the same care and craft that classical composers bring to their compositions.

Why we love this

John Leavitt's arrangement captures the warmth of Shaiman's original while tailoring it specifically for SSA voicing, which means your section balances remain manageable and the piece sits comfortably in the singers' ranges. The nostalgic charm of the song gives your choir a chance to explore how arrangements can honor a composer's intent while making material accessible to younger or smaller ensembles.

What to expect

The piece carries a gentle, nostalgic warmth that invites singers and listeners alike into an intimate moment. Its straightforward melodic contour and accessible harmony create a sense of earnestness that feels both timeless and deeply human.

Who it's for

This arrangement works well for mixed-age choirs and select SSA ensembles looking for material with broad appeal and a professional feel. It suits directors building a contemporary pop or film music unit and gives singers experience with a song they likely know from popular culture or film.

How to get the most out of it

  • Pay attention to the text underlay in phrases where syllables align with quick note changes; clarity here will keep the sentimental quality intact rather than turning it muddy.
  • Balance the melody across your sopranos and altos, especially in passages where both sections move independently, so no single line dominates the texture.
  • Shape dynamic swells around the lyrical content rather than adhering strictly to marked dynamics; let the warmth of the lyrics guide your phrasing choices.

How to use it

Position this as a standalone contemporary selection on a mixed concert, or pair it with other film music and pop arrangements to create a thematic program segment exploring how beloved songs transition from screen to stage. The accessible length and moderate technical demands make it ideal for mid-year programming when your ensemble is settled but not yet tackling your most demanding spring repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing independent melodic lines within SSA voicing
  • Interpreting text to shape phrase contours
  • Arranging literacy: recognizing how classical technique serves popular material

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