Come On, Get Happy! The Music Of Harold Arlen In Concert (Medley): SATB Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's medley captures Arlen's infectious optimism without sacrificing the sophistication audiences expect from a concert setting. The arrangement moves fluidly between numbers, building momentum while giving each section its own character; singers get moments to shine individually and as an ensemble, and the 19-page score remains engaging from rehearsal through performance.

Stepping into Arlen's musical world means encountering melodies that stick in the ear and harmonies that feel both warm and sophisticated. The medley captures the theatrical energy and emotional directness of mid-century American song, moving between moments of exuberance and lyrical tenderness with natural grace.

This medley works for choirs seeking concert programming that combines popular appeal with real musical substance. It suits ensembles comfortable with jazz-influenced voicing and rhythmic flexibility, and it appeals to audiences who recognize these beloved standards.

• Pay attention to the harmonic color in each song transition. Arlen's changes aren't arbitrary; they signal emotional shifts that need clear execution to land.
• Balance the rhythm section with vocal line clarity. Jazz-influenced passages require precision from your accompanists to maintain the groove without drowning the choir.
• Differentiate articulation across the medley's sections. Softer, swing-style phrases demand legato control; uptempo sections benefit from crisper articulation to match the energy.
• Let the lyrics drive interpretation. These standards carry narrative weight; encourage singers to communicate the emotional arc of each song.

Consider this as a concert closer or second-half opener, where its brightness and accessible familiarity can reset audience energy without feeling lightweight. It pairs well with other American standards or with a themed program exploring 20th-century musical theater; the 19-page length makes it a substantial addition without demanding excessive rehearsal time.

• Singing jazz harmony and extended chord voicings
• Managing swing rhythms and syncopation
• Shaping phrases in popular song style
• Balancing unison and four-part writing across a medley form
• Responding to stylistic shifts within a single piece