Johnny Mercer: Too Marvelous for Words (A Medley): SATB Choral Octavo

Chinn threads five Mercer standards into a seamless four-and-a-half-minute medley that never feels rushed or fragmented. The moderate difficulty and SATB writing make it achievable for Grade 3 choirs while the sophisticated harmonic language keeps adult singers musically engaged, making this a rare piece that works equally well with high school and community ensembles.

The medley captures the sophisticated ease and melodic charm of Mercer's songwriting, gliding between the languorous elegance of "Satin Doll," the joyful exuberance of "Jeepers Creepers," and the romantic vulnerability of "Fools Rush In." Singers experience the wit and craftsmanship of Golden Age songwriting without requiring extensive classical vocal technique.

This octavo works for Grade 3 choirs seeking accessible yet stylish popular music that doesn't condescend to student singers. Community choirs and church ensembles will find the moderate difficulty and four-part writing straightforward to learn while the Mercer standards give the piece immediate audience appeal.

• Pay attention to the transitions between songs; they're designed to maintain momentum without awkward silences, so shape phrase endings to propel the music forward into the next standard.
• Recorded accompaniment is available separately, which can help sections lock into the harmonic foundation during rehearsal before balancing voices independently.
• Each song in the medley carries its own character; work with your singers to adjust articulation, phrasing, and dynamic shape so listeners experience distinct musical moments rather than one blended mass.
• Balance is critical when featuring melody across different voice parts; mark your scores clearly to identify who carries the tune in each section and ensure those singers know they own the moment.

Program this as a show-stopper in a concert devoted to American popular standards or pair it with other Mercer arrangements to build a thematic set. The four-and-a-half-minute length and accessible difficulty make it an excellent choice for spring pops concerts or fundraising performances where audiences expect familiar, singable material.

• Sustaining legit legibility across phrase boundaries in medley form
• Interpreting jazz and swing inflections within a choral context
• Managing harmonic complexity at moderate difficulty (seventh chords, chromatic movement)
• Balancing melody and harmony when tune carries across different voice parts
• Phrasing popular song with style while maintaining choral blend