Don't Rain on My Parade: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Strommen's arrangement captures the infectious confidence of Styne's melody while keeping the part writing accessible enough for mixed-voice ensembles at a range of ability levels. The recorded accompaniment lets you rehearse independently, and the tune's inherent cheerfulness makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on any program.

Pure theatrical joy. The melody marches forward with unstoppable momentum, and the harmonic foundation supports an almost defiant optimism. This is music that makes singers feel the lift of ensemble singing and audiences leave the concert smiling.

Mixed-voice choirs looking for a program piece that connects with audiences immediately. This works well for ensembles that can manage straightforward part writing with confidence and want to program something from the Broadway canon without taking on complex harmonic territory.

• Lean into the rhythm section of the accompaniment track to establish the groove and keep the ensemble locked together; let the recorded energy carry you forward.
• Shape the phrases with intention rather than mechanically following the bar lines. The best performances make this sound like the ensemble is genuinely celebrating, not just hitting the notes.
• Balance the unison or primary melody line so it cuts through the harmony parts without requiring soloists to oversing. The arrangement should feel like a collective statement.
• Pay attention to articulation consistency across the ensemble, especially on the opening statement of the title phrase. This tune's impact depends on rhythmic precision and unified delivery.

This pairs naturally with other mid-century Broadway selections or serves as an excellent closer on a program that needs an uplifting final number. It's also ideal for concert events where the audience includes people who came primarily for the entertainment value rather than experimental repertoire.

• singing with rhythmic precision in a Broadway style idiom
• balancing primary melody lines against harmonic support
• ensemble blend across unison and divided voice parts
• maintaining lift and energy throughout a straightforward narrative structure
• working effectively with recorded accompaniment tracks