A Wink And A Smile (arr. Kim Brittain): SSAA Choral Octavo

Kim Brittain's arrangement captures the charm and sophistication of Shaiman's original without overselling it. The voicing sits naturally for women's voices, and the harmonic language gives choirs something musically substantial to sink their teeth into while remaining approachable for groups at this level.

Witty and buoyant, with the casual elegance of a song that doesn't try too hard. The arrangement sparkles without straining, offering moments of harmonic warmth alongside bright, conversational phrasing that mirrors the lyrical personality.

Women's choirs looking for a contemporary number with pop sensibility and jazz sophistication. This arrangement works for high school through adult ensembles and fits equally well in a concert setting or as a standalone showcase piece.

• Balance the melody line across both soprano parts; this arrangement relies on phrase shaping rather than unison power to land the warmth of the song.
• Shape the altos' supporting harmonies with intention—they're not just undergirding the sopranos, but actively contributing to the arrangement's character.
• Let the swing inflection breathe naturally; avoid rushing into the jazz feel and instead let the rhythm section anchor the groove.
• Work the lyrics for comedic timing where the arrangement suggests it; this piece rewards singers who understand the text's personality.

Program this as a palate cleanser between heavier classical or contemporary works, or pair it with other pop and jazz repertoire to anchor a thematic concert around accessible contemporary songwriting. It also works beautifully as a closer when you want to send an audience out smiling.

• Phrasing in a conversational, speech-like rhythm characteristic of pop and jazz songwriting
• Blend and balance across a three or four-part soprano line
• Swing interpretation and rhythmic precision in a jazz idiom
• Harmonic awareness and the role of supporting voices in arrangement