Let's Dance! - The Songs of Irving Berlin (Medley): Choral Instrumental Pak
By Irving Berlin / Arranged by Mark Brymer
Item: 35-PK00036092
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Description
Grab your top hat and celebrate the music of Irving Berlin with this toe-tapping 4-minute medley. Includes: "Let's Face the Music and Dance," "Puttin' On the Ritz" and "Steppin' Out with My Baby." Performance Time: Approx. 4:05.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00036092
More about this title
About the Composer: Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin (1888-1989) stands as one of the most prolific songwriters in American history, composing over 1,000 songs across a career spanning eight decades. Self-taught as both composer and lyricist, Berlin shaped the sound of American popular music from the 1910s through the 1960s, creating standards that remain central to the Great American Songbook. His gift for melody and his ability to capture the spirit of each era made him indispensable to Broadway, Hollywood, and the concert hall.
Why we love this
Combining three of Berlin's most energetic songs into a single four-minute package gives your ensemble a chance to tackle genuine sophistication without the rehearsal burden of a full operetta. Mark Brymer's arrangement respects the melodic integrity of each number while keeping the texture lean enough for flexible instrumentation and strong enough for real impact.
What to expect
Sleek, sophisticated, and impossibly fun. You're in a 1930s speakeasy where elegance and playfulness coexist, where every phrase lands with a tap of the shoe and a knowing smile. The music glides with confidence, inviting your singers to embody that same poised exuberance.
Who it's for
Directors seeking a concert opener or pops program selection that feels both accessible and sophisticated. This works equally well for intermediate choirs with good sight-readers or for groups building toward more challenging repertoire.
How to get the most out of it
- Nail the rhythmic precision in 'Puttin' On the Ritz' first; that song's syncopation sets the tone for the entire medley and gives the other pieces momentum.
- Balance the vocal weight between sections throughout. These melodies are meant to sit comfortably, so resist the urge to push volume at the expense of legibility.
- Use the transitions as breathing moments for both singers and players. Mark them clearly in rehearsal so the ensemble knows exactly when to reset energy between songs.
- Shape the top hat swagger in the character of the piece rather than chasing tempo. Berlin's music swings when the phrasing breathes naturally.
How to use it
Open a pops concert with this medley to establish energy and audience goodwill before moving into heavier material. It also sits beautifully as a spring concert closer or as the lighter half of a program that pairs dance and storytelling.
Skills your students will build
- Legato phrasing in swing style without dragging the tempo
- Syncopated rhythms across multiple meter patterns
- Quick sectional transitions while maintaining musical continuity
- Balancing rhythmic precision with natural vocal production