Come Fly With Me (arr. Kirby Shaw): SATB Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the swagger and charm of this Sinatra standard while making it accessible for SATB ensembles. The piece gives choirs a legitimate entry point into jazz and pop repertoire without oversimplifying the harmonic language or losing what makes the song irresistible.

Buoyant and propulsive, with the kind of effortless sophistication that comes from a tune written for someone who knew how to fly. The harmonies swing rather than sit; the melody invites playfulness without sacrificing musicality.

Choirs looking to expand beyond traditional pop and show tune arrangements into genuine jazz idiom. Strong for community theater productions, pops concerts, or any program where ensemble versatility and modern musical literacy strengthen the overall programming.

• Shape the melodic phrases with forward motion rather than sitting on downbeats; Sinatra's phrasing always pulled the line ahead, and that momentum matters for ensemble cohesion.
• Balance vocal weight so the alto and tenor lines support without shadowing the sopranos on the melody; jazz harmony demands clarity in the inner voices.
• Blend the 'come fly with me' hook early and often in rehearsal so it lands with unified articulation and confidence when the moment arrives.
• Let the rhythm section (if you have accompaniment) establish the swing feel first; the choir will settle into the groove more naturally once that foundation is solid.

Pair this with other standards from Shaw's catalog or alongside contemporary pop arrangements to build a mixed concert that reaches audiences beyond classical music circles. It works especially well as an opening number or as a bridge between contrasting set pieces, bringing energy and accessibility without compromising musical substance.

• Jazz swing articulation and phrasing
• Blend in close four-part harmony with chromatic movement
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated lines
• Lyrical interpretation within an ensemble context
• Reading lead sheet style harmonic notation