It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Sing, Sing, Sing: SA Choral Octavo

Tom Anderson's arrangement threads two iconic Ellington tunes into a single, cohesive SA piece that captures the energy of the swing era without overwhelming developing singers. The medley structure lets you teach genuine jazz history through performance, and the accessible voicing means students focus on style and phrasing rather than struggling with complex parts.

Infectious and breezy, with the characteristic lilt of early swing. The arrangement invites singers to loosen their classical technique slightly and embrace the syncopated, conversational quality that makes these Ellington standards timeless.

SA choirs at the intermediate to advanced level who are ready to tackle swing style and want to expand their jazz vocabulary. This works well for mixed-age ensembles and adult choirs seeking repertoire that feels fresh and historically grounded.

• Anchor the rhythm section in the recorded accompaniment during early rehearsals, then gradually have singers find their own time feel independent of it.
• Shape dynamic contrasts between the two melodies to highlight the arrangement's structure; let each title breathe as its own moment before the transition.
• Encourage rhythmic precision in syncopated passages by having singers tap the written rhythm while singing the melody, isolating any spots that feel uncertain.

Program this as a standalone feature in a jazz or standards-themed concert, or pair it with other swing-era pieces to create a mini-unit on American popular song. It also works as a spirit-lifter mid-program to shift energy and remind audiences that choral music can swing.

• Swing rhythm and syncopation
• Jazz phrasing and legit jazz interpretation
• Blend and balance in two-part texture
• Stylistic contrast between two distinct melodies
• Rhythmic precision with recorded accompaniment