Let's Face The Music And Dance: Choral Instrumental Pak

Kirby Shaw's arrangement transforms a timeless standard into something that feels fresh and contemporary without losing Berlin's melodic brilliance. The Latin jazz voicing gives your ensemble a rhythmic edge and harmonic depth that elevates the piece well beyond a simple pop cover, making it equally at home in a concert setting or a lighter pop program.

Suave and propulsive, with a Latin heartbeat that pulls the entire piece forward. The rich jazz chords create sophistication while Berlin's melody keeps everything accessible and joyful, landing somewhere between a nightclub elegance and concert hall polish.

Choirs seeking a sophisticated pop or jazz standard that engages both singers and audiences. This works particularly well for groups with some vocal maturity who can navigate jazz harmonies and appreciate the interplay between rhythm and melody.

• Let the rhythm section lock the clave pattern first in rehearsal; once the groove sits, the choir will naturally find its pocket and the arrangement will sparkle.
• Shape the jazz harmonies deliberately rather than straight through them. These chords benefit from slight dynamic inflection that highlights their color without undermining the groove.
• The three-minute duration means every phrase counts. Keep the energy consistent and avoid letting tempo drift during the middle section.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse with it early and often so students hear how their voices sit within the Latin texture.

Pair this with other standards or jazz arrangements to anchor a "Great American Songbook" concert, or slot it into a pop program where it will serve as a stylistic and harmonic centerpiece. The Latin groove also makes it a natural fit for spring or end-of-year concerts where you want something polished yet energetic.

• Reading and singing jazz harmonies (seventh chords, extensions)
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in a Latin groove
• Balancing melody with complex background harmony
• Phrasing and dynamics within a jazz idiom
• Ensemble cohesion in a syncopated, rhythm-driven arrangement