Come Rain Or Come Shine: Ukulele

This standard sits perfectly on ukulele, where its jazz sensibility translates beautifully to fingerstyle voicings and rhythmic comping. The melody is memorable enough for students to anchor their interpretation, but the harmony offers room to explore jazz sonorities appropriate to the instrument's warm, intimate character.

Optimistic and resilient, with an emotional arc that moves from hope through vulnerability. The melody has a lyrical quality that feels conversational, supported by the song's clever wordplay and the sophisticated harmonic movement Arlen built into every phrase.

Ukulele students with intermediate fingerstyle skills who are ready to explore jazz and standard repertoire. This work suits players interested in learning how Broadway songwriting translates to the instrument, and it pairs well with other jazz standards arranged for ukulele.

• Shape the melody with attention to the lyrical contour rather than treating it phrase-by-phrase; Arlen's lines breathe as complete thoughts.
• Experiment with different strum and fingerstyle patterns to find the groove that suits your tempo and interpretation.
• Let the changes breathe, especially in the turnarounds; resist the urge to fill every space.

Slot this into a concert that explores the American songbook, or use it as a standalone feature for a jazz or ukulele ensemble program. It also works as a vehicle for exploring how students can interpret standards individually, with each player bringing their own rhythmic sensibility to the form.

• Jazz harmony and voice leading on ukulele
• Fingerstyle technique applied to a complete melody
• Rhythmic interpretation and comping in a jazz context
• Phrasing and lyrical expression in an instrumental setting