I Only Have Eyes for You: Choral SoundPax

Mark Hayes's arrangement captures the swagger of big-band jazz while keeping the vocal writing playful and accessible. The scat section adds personality without demanding solo virtuosity, and the syncopated rhythms give singers something genuinely fun to dig into rather than just singing a pretty tune straight.

Smooth and swinging with a hint of sass. The piece glides on classic song sensibility while the jazzy syncopations and scat singing keep it fresh and modern, giving singers the chance to feel like they're part of a real big-band tradition.

Choirs of all levels who want to explore jazz standards with real style and contemporary relevance. The arrangement works equally well for show choirs, concert choirs seeking variety, and ensembles that need a fun, singable piece with legitimate musical teeth.

• Treat the syncopations as part of the swing feel, not as rhythmic obstacles. Singers should lock into the groove rather than overthinking each sixteenth-note placement.
• The scat section toward the end works best when singers commit to the playful character. Encourage them to listen to recordings by The Flamingos or other classic versions to catch the stylistic flavor.
• Balance the chord voicings so the jazz harmonies shine without muddying. The accompaniment will help anchor the tuning, but voices need clarity to land those unexpected harmonic turns.
• Shape the phrasing around the lyrical twist about smizing. The wink-wink moment should land with lightness, not heavy-handedness.

Pair this with other jazz or pop standards to create a set that showcases your choir's versatility and charisma. It works especially well in a second act where you can shift mood and energy, or as a closer that leaves audiences in a good mood. The contemporary lyrical twist makes it a natural fit for concerts that celebrate both classic and current culture.

• Singing syncopated rhythms with precision and swing feel
• Scat singing and vocal improvisation techniques
• Balancing jazz harmony voicings in chord progressions
• Style and interpretation of American popular standards
• Ensemble blend in a rhythmically complex arrangement