It Had Better Be Tonight: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

Alan Billingsley's arrangement brings Mancini's sophisticated harmonic language into a choral setting that feels both elegant and singable. The Latin and jazz idioms in this piece give your singers a chance to explore rhythmic independence and contemporary harmonic thinking without requiring advanced technique, making it a smart choice for groups developing stylistic range.

Sophisticated and urbane, this piece channels the cool elegance of mid-century popular song. The Latin rhythms and jazz harmonies create an atmosphere that is romantic yet rhythmically alive, blending Continental charm with American popular sensibility.

This arrangement works for intermediate to advanced choral ensembles comfortable with jazz and Latin vocabulary. Singers need secure pitch independence and the ability to sustain a steady harmonic line while navigating chromatic motion.

• Lock the rhythmic feel early in rehearsal. The Latin and jazz elements require a steady pulse from your rhythm section, so establish the groove before layering vocal parts.
• Shape the melodic phrases with natural rubato rather than strict metronomic precision. Mancini's melodies breathe, and allowing some flexibility in phrasing will bring out the romantic quality.
• Balance the independent harmonic motion in the choral parts. Jazz voicings can blur together quickly, so ensure each voice part hears its own line clearly against the others.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock tempos and feel. The track will give your singers a polished reference for both the groove and the harmonic context.

Program this as a stylistic contrast in a concert mixing classical and contemporary repertoire, or feature it in a pop and jazz-focused set where it can shine alongside other standards. The romantic character and polished arrangement also make it suitable for concert closings or special event performances.

• Jazz harmony and chord substitution recognition
• Latin rhythmic patterns and syncopation
• Harmonic independence in chromatic contexts
• Vocal jazz phrasing and style
• Ensemble blend with complex voice leading