But the World Goes 'Round: Choral SoundPax

Mark Hayes's arrangement captures the defiant optimism of Kander and Ebb's original, using smart voicing and rhythmic punch to make this standard sing in a choral setting. The swing feel and Broadway flair give your singers genuine performance energy without requiring a pit band, and the emotional arc of the lyric lands just as hard in a concert hall as it does on stage.

Bright, knowing, and resilient. The arrangement channels the spirit of a seasoned performer who's seen ups and downs but refuses to let the world get them down. It pulses with showbiz confidence and warmth, driven by a groove that feels lived-in rather than academic.

Choirs seeking a Broadway standard with genuine theatrical flair and a swinging jazz edge. This works equally well for concert choirs, show choirs, and advanced high school or community ensembles that want to program something recognizable with real musicianship demands.

• Lock the rhythmic precision during the swing sections. This arrangement's punch depends on the ensemble moving as one unit through the syncopated figures.
• Dig into the character and storytelling of the lyric. The philosophy behind the words should drive phrasing and dynamic choices, especially at the spotlight chorus.
• Balance the jazz sonorities clearly; the arrangement relies on sectional independence to create the full "razzmatazz" sound without muddiness.
• Take advantage of the recorded accompaniment to internalize the swing feel before rehearsing unaccompanied, especially if your singers are less familiar with this style.

Program this as a centerpiece for a jazz or Broadway concert, or pair it with other Kander and Ebb standards for a revue-style evening. It also works beautifully as a concert opener or closer, offering the kind of lift and familiarity that draws audiences in immediately.

• Swing rhythms and syncopation
• Jazz phrasing and articulation
• Sectional independence in arranged textures
• Emotional storytelling through character work
• Balance and blend in syncopated harmony