Jazzin' It Up! (And Jazzin' It Down): Mixed Voices (SATB, SAB, or 2-Part) Choral Octavo

Robinson crafts vocal jazz with the clarity of a born pedagogue. He gives singers real work—scatting, improvising, and ensemble layering—without overwhelming them, making this an authentic entry point rather than a watered-down approximation. The flexible voicing options (SATB, SAB, or 2-part) mean you can use it regardless of your ensemble size or experience level.

Playful and swinging, with moments of genuine improvisational freedom balanced by tight ensemble passages. The piece has the character of a jazz rehearsal room where singers are learning and having fun at the same time; there's energy and spontaneity, not polish and perfection.

Any director ready to introduce vocal jazz to singers who have basic harmonic literacy but little improvisation experience. Works equally well in a high school choir wanting to explore contemporary idioms or a college ensemble building jazz fluency.

• Spend rehearsal time on the scatting sections before ensemble rehearsal. Let singers explore syllables and rhythmic freedom individually so they feel confident improvising together.
• Shape the ensemble sections with careful attention to balance. In a jazz context, the pulse drives the music; make sure rhythm section accompaniment (if using the recorded version) never overshadows your singers.
• Encourage soloists to listen deeply to the recorded accompaniment if available. The piano voicings and rhythmic feel will ground their improvisation and make the whole performance cohesive.

Pair it with Robinson's other vocal jazz selections ("Let's Sing Some Jazz" and "We're Singing the Blues for You") to build a thematic concert segment that showcases your ensemble's range. It also works well as a spring concert anchor, offering welcome contrast to classical repertoire while maintaining musical substance.

• Vocal scatting and jazz articulation
• Improvisation within harmonic and rhythmic structures
• Listening and responding to ensemble texture while soloing
• Singing jazz rhythms and syncopation
• Blend and balance in a jazz ensemble context