Hey There: SSA Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures all the swagger of the original without demanding a full jazz band, making this accessible for any SSA group while keeping the style authentic. The scat syllables and rhythmic snap give singers real musical personality to discover, and the clever lyrics deliver genuine laughs alongside solid four-part harmony.

A burst of energy and humor that lands somewhere between a real jazz number and a theatrical moment of comic relief. The finger-snapping, syncopated accompaniment creates an irresistible forward motion, while the clever lyrics and vocal playfulness keep the mood light and fun.

SSA choirs at the high school and adult levels looking for a contemporary sound that doesn't require instrumental ensemble experience. Groups comfortable with jazz idiom and syncopated rhythms will feel the style most naturally.

• Nail the rhythmic precision of the finger-snaps and percussive elements in the accompaniment; tight ensemble response to these moments makes the swing land.
• Treat the scat passages as rhythmic dialogue, not just text. They sit in the groove rather than floating above it.
• Balance the upper voices in the harmonies so the clever stacked chords ring without losing the driving pulse underneath.
• If using SoundTrax or SoundPax, rehearse with the recorded accompaniment early so singers lock into the swing feel rather than pushing ahead or dragging.

Pair it with other Broadway selections for a full musical theater set, or use it as a closing number or opener to shift the energy and tempo of your concert. Its theatrical personality and accessibility make it work equally well in a pop choral concert or as a lighter moment between more substantial works.

• Jazz phrasing and swing feel
• Syncopated rhythm reading and precision
• Scat singing and rhythmic syllables
• Four-part SSA harmony with clear voice leading
• Theatrical interpretation and character expression
• Ensemble blend within a contemporary popular style