On Green Dolphin Street (arr. Scott Kitzmiller): SSAA Choral Octavo

Scott Kitzmiller's arrangement captures the elegance of this jazz standard while tailoring it for SSAA voices in a way that feels natural and singable. The barbershop voicing gives the piece a warm, close harmony character that brings out the timeless melody without requiring specialized jazz technique from your singers.

Lush and nostalgic, with the unmistakable warmth of close barbershop harmony applied to a melody that practically glides on its own. You'll hear the romantic elegance of mid-century popular music translated into pure vocal sound.

Choirs looking for a sophisticated jazz standard that doesn't demand a rhythm section or complex swing technique will find this arrangement accessible and rewarding. The eight-page score is substantial enough to give singers real musical content without becoming overwhelming.

• Balance the melody line across both soprano sections; the arrangement likely passes the tune between parts, so rehearse those transitions until they feel seamless.
• Keep the harmonic texture light and clear by resisting the urge to oversupport the lower voices. SSAA benefits from space and breath.
• Study the original Jimmy Dorsey recording to understand the rubato and phrasing that makes this standard breathe; apply that sensibility to your interpretation without sacrificing ensemble togetherness.

This works beautifully on a spring or holiday concert as a refreshing contrast to classical choral literature or contemporary pop arrangements. It also serves as an excellent teaching tool for understanding how jazz standards have become part of the American songbook that every educated musician should know.

• Singing in close harmony with precise intonation in sustained chords
• Phrasing in the jazz idiom while maintaining choral blend
• Navigating SSAA voicing and understanding how sopranos share melodic material
• Balancing classical choral technique with popular music expression