'S Wonderful: SATB Choral Octavo

Phil Mattson's arrangement captures the elegance and wit of Gershwin's original while giving SATB choirs genuine musical independence. The voicing sits comfortably across all four parts, and the harmonic sophistication rewards singers who know their lines while remaining accessible enough for a good high school ensemble.

Sophisticated and buoyant, with the unmistakable Gershwin sparkle. The arrangement glides through warm harmonic colors while maintaining the breezy, conversational charm of the original lyric.

Intermediate to advanced high school and community choirs comfortable with jazz-influenced harmony and wanting a song with immediate appeal and substance. This works for groups seeking repertoire that sounds sophisticated without requiring specialized jazz training.

• Balance the melody carefully across sections; Mattson likely distributes it beyond the soprano line, so ensure each voice part understands when they're carrying the tune and when they're supporting.
• Shape the phrase as a vocalist would, with natural breath points and dynamic contours that follow the lyrical shape rather than harmonic changes alone.
• Listen closely to the interplay between parts in the chorus. Close harmony in this style demands precise intonation and a collaborative ear within the section.

Pair this with other standards or American classics in a concert exploring 20th-century popular song. Its accessible familiarity makes it an excellent closer for a program that might otherwise lean heavily on classical repertoire.

• Singing jazz-influenced harmony and voice leading
• Balancing melody and accompaniment across multiple voice parts
• Phrase shaping in a popular song context
• Intonation precision in close harmony