But the World Goes 'Round: SATB Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes transforms this Kander and Ebb standard into an arrangement that captures pure showbiz energy without sacrificing the song's emotional core. The swing feel and full harmonic palette give singers a genuine moment of Broadway authenticity, and the piece sits beautifully for developing choirs who want to taste professional-level jazz writing.

Sophisticated and exuberant, with the gloss and warmth of a Broadway pit band. The arrangement swings hard at moments, then pulls back to let the vulnerable sentiment of the lyric breathe. It's a piece that reminds singers why people love musical theater.

High school, college, and community choirs with solid intonation and rhythmic confidence. This octavo works best for singers comfortable with jazz idioms and lyrical flexibility, though the 16-page length keeps it manageable for developing ensembles.

• Lock the swing feel early in rehearsals by isolating the rhythm section parts (piano and bass) before layering the full arrangement. Swing eighths should feel naturally relaxed, not forced.
• Shape the dynamic arc across the phrase "Sometimes you're happy, and sometimes you're sad." This section works best when soloists or a small group floats above the accompaniment, then opens up at the spotlight chorus.
• Balance the inner parts carefully in the razzmatazz sections. The arrangement is full and busy; clarity of line matters more than volume.

Pair this as an uplifting closer on a mixed program, especially one that includes other contemporary or jazz-inflected work. The emotional optimism makes it ideal for spring or year-end concerts where you want to send audiences out smiling.

• swing feel and jazz articulation
• balancing full harmonic texture while maintaining line clarity
• dynamic shaping in a contemporary Broadway idiom
• lyrical expression and emotional nuance in uptempo material