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

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the full personality of Arlen's catalog in five minutes, moving the ensemble through contrasting moods without losing coherence or momentum. The swing-ballad-swing arc gives performers a chance to explore different textures and interpretive approaches, while the medley format lets audiences hear three beloved standards in a single compelling performance.

The opening sparkles with classic swing energy before melting into a velvet, intimate ballad that showcases lyrical singing and harmonic color. The finale recaptures that carefree spirit, landing with the same infectious optimism that made these songs standards in the first place.

Choirs working with a small ensemble or pit band will find this arrangement manageable and immediately gratifying to teach and perform. Directors seeking concert material that bridges classical choral training with jazz and pop idioms have an ideal fit here.

• Let the swing sections breathe with a relaxed groove rather than pushing the tempo; Arlen's harmonies are rich enough to carry themselves without aggressive rhythmic driving.
• Shape the ballad section's dynamics carefully so the sultry mood doesn't collapse into drag; find the sweet spot between languid and lethargic.
• Use the key changes between sections as musical signposts for the ensemble, marking clear transitions so the medley reads as three distinct songs rather than one blurred succession.

This medley works beautifully as a second-half opener to reset audience energy after weightier repertoire, or as a standalone feature that demonstrates your choir's stylistic range to families and supporters. Consider programming it alongside other American songbook selections to build a thematic concert program.

• Interpreting swing rhythms and jazz articulation
• Navigating harmonic complexity in American standards
• Executing smooth key modulations between sections
• Balancing rhythmic precision with expressive phrasing across style shifts
• Blend and balance in ensemble passages with instrumental accompaniment