Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (arr. Mark Hayes): SATB Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes captures the glamour and wit of this jazz standard while making it accessible for mixed ensembles. The arrangement balances the song's showstopping energy with musical substance, giving every voice section something genuinely interesting to sing rather than relegating anyone to filler. Your choir gets to perform an instantly recognizable piece that audiences adore, yet the score reveals sophisticated harmonic choices that will challenge and engage your singers.

There's infectious energy here, a blend of cabaret sophistication and playful sass. The arrangement swings gently while maintaining clarity; your singers will feel the drive of the rhythm section even in a cappella moments, and the harmonic language lets them explore richer sonorities than a straightforward pop cover would offer.

High school, college, and adult community choirs seeking contemporary material that connects with audiences will find this invaluable. Directors programming concert series or variety shows benefit from a piece that's immediately engaging without sacrificing musical credibility. Any ensemble wanting to explore jazz idioms and popular song arrangements will develop fresh skills.

• Treat the rhythmic figures with precision. Jazz inflection matters here; eighth notes should swing slightly, but keep the ensemble cohesive by establishing the groove early in rehearsal.
• Shape the dynamic arc carefully. The song builds momentum toward key moments, so resist the urge to sing at full volume from the start. Let the arrangement's architecture guide your singers through light, medium, and full-voiced sections.
• Emphasize the text with conversational phrasing. The lyrics are witty and direct; your singers should land them clearly so the audience catches the humor and personality Hayes has built into the arrangement.
• Balance soloists or featured sections against the ensemble texture. If the arrangement includes moments for smaller groups or individuals, use rehearsal time to establish who leads and when the full choir supports.

Include this as a crowd pleaser in concert finales where you want to send the audience home smiling without sacrificing musical substance. It pairs well in spring concerts or fundraising galas where lighter material complements more serious repertoire. Consider it for any program exploring American musical theater or popular song traditions.

• jazz phrasing and swing articulation
• rhythmic precision in ensemble contexts
• blending vocal timbres in popular music arrangements
• clear text delivery and comedic timing
• reading more complex harmonic progressions in contemporary arrangements