Look To The Rainbow: SATB Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes has arranged this standard with the kind of musical intelligence that respects the original while opening it up for ensemble singing. The writing sits comfortably for SATB voices, the accompaniment drives without overwhelming, and the arc of the piece builds naturally from verse through to a satisfying finish. Programming a well-crafted pop standard like this one signals to your singers that artistry and accessibility belong in the same concert.

Warmth and forward motion. The melody invites singers into a conversational, almost intimate space while the harmonic language keeps things sophisticated. There is lightness here, but never airiness; the piece has weight and intention.

High school and college choirs looking for material that bridges popular song and legitimate choral writing. Directors who want their ensembles to experience the joy of singing a real standard without compromising musical substance.

• Balance the harmonic movement in the inner voices against the melodic line; Hayes has written engaging inner parts that need air to be heard.
• Shape the phrase endings with intention rather than letting them fall away; these melodic gestures deserve the same musical attention you would give a classical work.
• Use the text to guide your dynamic contour. The lyrical content shifts, and allowing that shift to inform your interpretation will keep the piece from sounding static.
• Attend to the jazz voicings in the accompaniment. Even if you are not a jazz ensemble, understanding the harmonic color Hayes intended will help your singers lock into the groove.

Pair this with other American songbook standards to create a concert section that showcases your ensemble's versatility. It also works beautifully as a contrast to more formal classical repertoire, giving your audience a chance to hear your singers' personalities emerge.

• Singing jazz chord voicings with precision and clarity
• Balancing melody and harmony in ensemble context
• Phrasing in popular song style with musical intention
• Interpreting text to shape musical decisions
• Maintaining groove and rhythmic security in jazz idiom