New York, New York, Theme from: SAB Choral Octavo
By John Kander / arr. Philip Kern
Item: 00-PO-0005401
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Pickup currently not available
Description
New York, New York, Theme from: SAB Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0005401
More about this title
About the Composer: John Kander
John Kander has shaped American musical theater for over six decades, collaborating with lyricist Fred Ebb on some of Broadway's most iconic scores. His work spans from the gritty urban realism of Cabaret to the romantic sweep of Chicago, earning him multiple Tony Awards and establishing him as a composer who understands how to write music that connects emotionally with audiences.
Kander's gift for melody and his ability to capture the essence of a place or moment make his songs perpetually relevant to choral directors. Whether setting a jazz-inflected 1970s New York or the decadent Berlin of Weimar Germany, his compositional voice remains unmistakably theatrical, theatrical yet singable by ensembles of all levels.
Why we love this
Philip Kern's SAB arrangement captures the swagger and sophistication of Kander's original without losing the song's essential character. The three-part voicing opens the piece to mixed choirs of varying skill levels while preserving the tune's memorability and the energy that makes New York, New York a crowd-pleaser at concert closings and pops programs.
What to expect
Confident, urbane, and thoroughly infectious. The melody sparkles with big-city energy and romantic optimism, while the arrangement gives singers a stylish framework that feels both intimate and celebratory. This is music that makes audiences smile and singers feel like performers.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking a contemporary standard that works equally well in pops concerts, year-end celebrations, or community performances. The SAB voicing makes it accessible to mixed-voice ensembles with developing sight-readers while still offering enough musical interest to satisfy experienced singers.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the rhythmic drive in the rhythm section parts; this song lives in its groove, and the harmonic support needs to feel propulsive rather than straight-ahead.
- Balance the melody line so it sits clearly above the accompaniment without forcing volume from your sopranos; the song's appeal depends on clarity and style, not power.
- Shape the dynamic arc across the full arrangement; resist the urge to peak too early, and let the ending swell build naturally to maximize the final impact.
- Coordinate with your accompaniment recording to nail the rhythmic pocket; the prerecorded tracks will establish the tempo and feel your singers need to lock into.
How to use it
Close a concert with it. The song's infectious charm and instant recognition make it a natural finale that leaves audiences on a high note. It also works beautifully as a palate cleanser between heavier classical or contemporary works, or as the centerpiece of a Broadway or standards-themed set.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in a contemporary jazz-influenced style with swing feel and rhythmic precision
- Balancing melody and accompaniment in a three-part mixed voicing
- Sustaining the theatrical character and energy of a recognizable standard
- Ensemble cohesion across syncopated rhythmic figures and section independence