Old Devil Moon: Choral Instrumental Pak

Mac Huff's arrangement captures everything that makes this standard swing without sacrificing the charm that has made it a concert favorite for generations. The mixed choir voicing opens this tune to a wider range of programs, and the Choral Instrumental Pak format means you can control exactly how much accompaniment support your ensemble needs as they settle into the groove.

Sophisticated and buoyant, with that indefinable quality that separates a standard from a novelty song. The melody sits naturally in the voice even as the harmonic language and rhythm section groove keep things modern and engaging, creating a performance that feels both timeless and alive.

Mixed choirs seeking a concert number that satisfies both purists and audiences, along with jazz and show choirs looking to expand their seasonal repertoire. Directors working with intermediate to advanced ensembles will find the voicing accessible but musically substantial.

• Balance the melody line so the lyrics remain crystal clear even as the rhythm section locks into the swing feel. The text should never disappear into the accompaniment.
• Work the articulation and rhythmic precision with your ensemble before worrying about dynamics. A crisp, confident attack on the jazz figures will make the whole arrangement breathe.
• Let the bridge land with real forward motion. This is where the tune shifts emotional weight, and your singers need to feel that architectural shift.
• Rehearse with the recorded accompaniment early and often. Your ensemble's confidence grows exponentially once they can hear themselves in context.

This arrangement works beautifully as a concert centerpiece that bridges classical choral programming and contemporary musical theater. Place it strategically in a set to shift the energy toward the lighter side of your repertoire, or use it as an encore that leaves audiences smiling.

• Swing rhythm interpretation and articulation
• Jazz chord changes and harmonic listening
• Lyrical clarity in a rhythmically active context
• Ensemble synchronization with rhythm section accompaniment
• Balance between melodic prominence and textural accompaniment