Pennies from Heaven (arr. Kirby Shaw): Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK00473450
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Description
This all-time classic swing tune belongs in every choir library! From the opening solo verse, the arrangement breaks into an easy-to-learn swing that's just right for developing style!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00473450
More about this title
About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw
Kirby Shaw's influence extends across North America and Europe, where his work in choral music education has shaped ensembles in 45 states and numerous countries including Canada, Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Holding degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University along with a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, Shaw built his reputation through founding and directing acclaimed vocal jazz ensembles at the College of the Siskiyous, Colorado State University, and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. His collaborative work with artists like Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks deepened his understanding of vocal artistry and improvisation.
With over 2500 choral arrangements and compositions in print, Shaw's music has sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide and earned multiple ASCAP awards. His catalog spans educational recordings, college and university albums, and solo work, while his involvement with the vocal jazz quartet Just 4 Kicks demonstrates his continued commitment to the art form. Currently directing the Jefferson State Choral Coalition at Southern Oregon University and collaborating on theatrical projects with his wife Markita, Shaw continues to infuse his teaching and writing with both technical mastery and infectious humor.
Why we love this
Shaw crafts this swing standard with an instinctive feel for what choral singers need to sound polished without requiring extensive jazz background. The arc from intimate solo verse into accessible swing groove gives students a genuine sense of style development while keeping the learning curve manageable for mixed ability levels.
What to expect
Sophisticated ease. The arrangement has the relaxed confidence of a song that's been sung for generations, yet Shaw's orchestration keeps it fresh and engaging. There's a playfulness here that invites singers to enjoy the swing idiom rather than feel intimidated by it.
Who it's for
Choirs ready to explore swing style with accessible material that doesn't require deep jazz training. This works equally well for developing ensembles wanting to expand beyond classical repertoire and for experienced groups looking to add a standards-based number to their rotation.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section early in rehearsal, paying special attention to the swing eighth-note feel in the opening groove. Once the pulse sits solidly, the rest of the ensemble will settle into the pocket more naturally.
- Isolate the solo verse passage and let students hear how a single voice with character and restraint commands attention. This becomes the emotional anchor that makes the swing section land harder by contrast.
- Shape the dynamic build from that first solo into the full ensemble section. The arrangement gains its impact through careful control of space and volume, not through forcing energy from the start.
How to use it
Pair this with other classic standards to create a vintage pop concert that appeals to older donors and community members while introducing students to repertoire with genuine cultural weight. Its moderate length and upbeat character make it ideal for a program's second half when energy and momentum matter.
Skills your students will build
- Swing eighth-note subdivision and feel
- Solo singing with style and restraint
- Dynamic shaping across phrase structures
- Blend and balance within a rhythm section approach
- Jazz articulation and phrasing conventions