Puttin' On My Ragtime Shoes: Choral Instrumental Pak

Shaw's gift for blending accessibility with genuine musical substance shines here. The piece captures authentic ragtime flavor without demanding extensive jazz vocabulary from singers, making it equally viable for traditional choral programs looking to expand their sound palette. The built-in choreography potential transforms rehearsals into something genuinely fun while the combo voicing keeps the ensemble lean and nimble.

Sunlit and playful, with the kind of infectious charm that ragtime perfects. The piece bounces along with genuine swing and vintage wit, inviting singers and audiences alike into a moment of genuine entertainment where musical craftsmanship meets pure fun.

Any choir seeking repertoire that delivers joy and engagement without sacrificing musicality. This works equally well for college ensembles performing a lighter set or high school choirs adding variety to a concert, and its modest technical demands mean developing singers won't feel overwhelmed.

• Lock the rhythmic syncopation early in rehearsal by isolating the piano and bass figures before layering in vocals. This foundation prevents the piece from dragging.
• Encourage singers to lean into the character and personality of ragtime phrasing; precise note accuracy means little if the style feels stiff or overly formal.
• If incorporating choreography, begin staging after singers have solid command of their lines. Movement should enhance rather than compete with the musical texture.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the proper swing feel, particularly during the ensemble passages where the full ragtime energy should pop.

Program this as a mood setter early in a concert, where it immediately establishes a lighter, more social atmosphere for what follows. Its three-minute duration makes it ideal for mixed repertoire programs where you're balancing serious concert works with audience favorites, or use it to close a set on an uplifting note.

• Understanding and performing jazz swing rhythms and syncopation
• Reading and executing ragtime articulation and phrasing conventions
• Ensemble coordination in a combo voicing with limited reinforcement
• Balancing musical character and style with rhythmic precision
• Integrating choreography with vocal performance without compromising ensemble blend