Jitterbug: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

Jacob Narverud captures the infectious energy of this Broadway classic while keeping the arrangement accessible for mixed choirs at the high school and community level. The SoundTrax download lets singers hear the piece with full accompaniment before rehearsal, accelerating the learning curve and freeing you to focus on blend and interpretation rather than note-learning.

Infectious and optimistic. The melody bounces with the playfulness of a 1940s dance floor, and Narverud's arrangement keeps that light, propulsive energy intact while ensuring every voice has something to sing. It's the kind of piece that gets audiences smiling the moment the first phrase lands.

Mixed choirs looking for Broadway material that's fun to sing and energizing to perform. This arrangement works equally well for high school choirs developing swing vocabulary and community ensembles seeking accessible show tunes.

• Use the recorded accompaniment in early rehearsals to establish the groove quickly, then transition to live piano or the optional instrumental parts as the choir gains confidence.
• Keep the rhythm section tight and driving; this piece relies on steady forward motion to capture the swing feel Arlen intended.
• Shape the melodic lines with subtle dynamic contrast between phrases to highlight Arlen's gift for memorable hooks without losing the conversational, upbeat character.
• Balance the upper and lower voices so neither part dominates; the arrangement works best when all four parts land with equal clarity.

Program this as an upbeat contrast to heavier repertoire, or build a Broadway-themed concert around it. The recorded accompaniment makes it ideal for virtual or recorded performances, and the optional instrumental parts let you expand the piece into a full stage arrangement if your ensemble includes small instrumental groups.

• Singing swing rhythm and syncopated melodic lines
• Blending four-part harmony in an uptempo context
• Interpreting Broadway-style phrasing and articulation
• Working with recorded accompaniment to improve ensemble intonation and timing