Fascinating Rhythm: SSA Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes captures the infectious vitality of this Gershwin classic while expanding its sonic palette. The arrangement moves fluidly between Latin and swing idioms, giving singers a genuine style study without overwhelming them—your singers will feel the groove while learning something real about rhythm and contemporary musical language.

Witty and propulsive, with the snap of 1920s optimism. The Latin sections feel sophisticated without demanding vocal gymnastics, while the swing passages invite singers to find lift and swing naturally rather than forcing it.

SSA choirs seeking contemporary arrangements of jazz-age standards will find a solid, accessible entry point here. This works for intermediate choirs with a bit of rhythmic maturity and interest in twentieth-century popular music.

• Establish the Latin feel early in rehearsal; have singers clap the clave pattern before singing any melody to internalize the rhythmic foundation beneath the vocal lines.
• Balance the rhythmic precision of the swing sections with the freedom singers naturally want to bring to Gershwin's melodic lines; mark which moments anchor the time and which allow slight rubato.
• Layer the accompaniment parts gradually if using recorded accompaniment, starting without drums or percussion so singers lock onto the harmonic framework first.
• Emphasize the light, conversational quality of the text setting rather than pushing for vocal weight; this arrangement thrives on clarity and rhythmic independence between parts.

Pair this with other Gershwin standards or with mid-century pop arrangements to create a thematic concert section exploring American musical theater and its influence on choral writing. It also works as an engaging warm-weather pops concert centerpiece.

• Rhythmic coordination across multiple concurrent patterns (Latin clave and swing eighth-note feel)
• Stylistic awareness of popular music idioms and their historical context
• Clarity of diction and independence when singing syncopated text lines
• Ensemble balance when accompaniment includes Latin percussion and jazz elements