Rhythm Dance: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Shaw captures the playful energy of contemporary scat writing without sacrificing singability or musicality. The piece moves seamlessly between concert and jazz settings, giving directors real programming flexibility. What makes this particularly valuable is how it demonstrates that rhythmic sophistication and vocal joy aren't mutually exclusive.

Rhythm Dance unfolds as an inventive conversation between voices, built entirely from scat syllables that dance across a modern harmonic landscape. The piece has the spontaneity of jazz but the compositional coherence of concert music, creating a groove that feels both contemporary and timeless. It's energizing without being frenetic, playful without sacrificing musicality.

Concert choirs seeking fresh, contemporary material that doesn't require a specialized jazz background will find this accessible and engaging. Jazz ensembles appreciate Shaw's authentic treatment of scat vocabulary and groove sensibility. Mixed-voice choirs at the secondary and college level can execute this effectively with focused rehearsal.

• Lock the rhythmic unison passages first. The scat syllables demand precise articulation and rhythmic alignment before you layer in any harmonic complexity.
• Study the recorded accompaniment in advance so singers can hear how their parts interact with the groove. The new-age context Shaw creates depends on ensemble confidence.
• Keep the energy conversational rather than aggressive. Scat syllables work best when delivered with the relaxed clarity of spoken rhythm, not forced percussive diction.
• Encourage singers to listen to each other's scat textures during rehearsal. The piece breathes when individual voices remain flexible within the tight rhythmic framework.

This works exceptionally well as a bridge piece between traditional concert repertoire and more experimental fare, especially on programs exploring contemporary approaches to vocal music. Position it where you need an immediate mood shift, or pair it with other Shaw arrangements to showcase his range as a composer. It's equally at home on a spring concert finale or as a crowd-pleasing opener for an extended jazz or pop ensemble set.

• Scat syllable articulation and diction clarity
• Rhythmic precision in contemporary groove contexts
• Blend and balance within layered vocal textures
• Flexible phrasing in both concert and jazz idioms
• Listening skills for maintaining rhythmic cohesion in complex ensemble writing