Hangin' Around with You (From "Strike Up the Band"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This edition gives singers access to Gershwin's theatre songs in their authentic original keys and voicings, removing the guesswork that comes with assembling these pieces from scattered sources. The 16-bar cut suggestions and audition tips transform what could be a reference book into genuine preparation material; you're not just holding sheet music, you're holding a teacher's notes on how to sing these songs in high-stakes settings.

Gershwin's melodies sparkle with wit and spontaneity even as they carry emotional weight. There's a sophistication to the harmonic language, a buoyant jazz influence threading through the accompaniment, and a generosity in the vocal writing that lets singers shine. These are songs that feel alive in the room.

Singers preparing auditions, building recital programs, or diving into the standard repertoire will find this collection essential. Whether you're a mezzo-soprano exploring material outside your typical range or a tenor solidifying your command of classic theatre writing, this volume offers historically accurate texts and professional-level presentation.

• Anchor the rhythmic energy in the accompaniment's harmonic rhythm rather than fighting against it; Gershwin's syncopations lock together with the piano part, not against it.
• Shape the melodic line through the lyrics' dramatic arc, not just the notes' contours; these songs tell stories, and the music follows the emotional trajectory of the text.
• Let the chromaticism breathe without rushing; many of Gershwin's passages move by half-step, and phrasing clarity comes from respecting the harmonic movement.
• Study the original stage context for each song if possible; knowing whether a character is confessing, boasting, or deflecting changes how you color the melody.

Gershwin songs work as standalone recital pieces, as part of a Broadway-focused cabaret program, or as audition repertoire for musical theatre training and performance. Programming one of his songs alongside art song and classical material demonstrates the singer's range and versatility, particularly in showcasing how American popular song can command the same interpretive depth as Lied or art song.

• Singing syncopated rhythms with text clarity in jazz-influenced idioms
• Shaping melodic lines through complex harmonic movement and chromatic passages
• Understanding the relationship between theatrical context and vocal interpretation
• Preparing audition-ready performances in original keys with proper phrasing and breathing
• Reading piano/vocal score notation and following complex accompaniment patterns