Just One of Those Things: SAB Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes's arrangement pulls off something rare: it honors the sophistication of Porters original while making the piece immediately engaging for young singers. The structure (verse first, then the transition from 2-beat to swing) gives the arrangement its own personality without losing the elegance that makes this standard endure. Groups will love the blend of accessibility and genuine jazz style.

Urbane and swinging, with a touch of nostalgia and plenty of contemporary energy. The piece moves from introspective and smooth (the verse and 2-beat section) into something brighter and more animated as the tempo kicks up. You get both the romance of a classic standard and the drive of real jazz.

SAB choirs of any size and age will find this arrangement accessible and rewarding. The part writing sits well for developing singers while the arrangement itself maintains enough musical sophistication to keep experienced singers engaged. This is ideal for choirs ready to move beyond pop arrangements into jazz standards.

• Balance the verse carefully so that the text stays clear while establishing the intimate, conversational tone Porter wrote into these lyrics. The verse is often rushed; give it space.
• The walking bass line in the 2-beat section drives the feel forward. Make sure your bass section feels the pulse and locks with the accompaniment rather than fighting against it.
• Lock the swing feel with your rhythm section before full ensemble rehearsals. The kick into the faster swing tempo works only when the band and singers are completely aligned on the pulse.
• Use the recorded accompaniment early and often so singers internalize the jazz inflections and syncopations. Porter's harmony can sound thin without the harmonic support of the full arrangement.

This works beautifully as a late-season feature or a concert centerpiece when you want to showcase your singers' ability to handle jazz style with sophistication. Pair it with other Porteresque standards or modern pop arrangements to create a cohesive set that highlights your choir's versatility. It also serves well as a special feature for holiday concerts or spring shows where variety and audience appeal matter.

• Jazz phrasing and articulation in a swing context
• Interpreting syncopation and jazz inflections from a written arrangement
• Blending with accompaniment and rhythm section in a jazz idiom
• Understanding formal structure (verse-chorus) in standards and musical theater repertoire
• Reading SAB/3-part voicing with smooth voice leading