'S Wonderful: SATB Choral Octavo

Name: 'S Wonderful: SATB Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-WBCH93246
Price: 2.95 USD
Availability: InStock

By George Gershwin / arr. Phil Mattson

Item: 00-WBCH93246

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Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 16

UPC: 029156088595

SKU: 00-WBCH93246

More about this title

About the Composer: George Gershwin

George Gershwin (1898-1937) bridged classical and popular music in ways that transformed American composition. His gift for melody and harmonic sophistication made him equally at home writing Broadway scores and concert works, and his influence on music education extends far beyond his lifetime. Gershwin's integration of jazz idioms into formally structured pieces opened doors for generations of composers and gave choral directors access to repertoire that feels both intellectually substantial and immediately engaging to singers and audiences alike.

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Why we love this

Phil Mattson's arrangement honors Gershwin's melodic genius while creating genuine ensemble writing that keeps all four voices engaged and rewarding to sing. The piece works equally well in a concert setting or festival competition, and its 16 pages strike a balance between substance and accessibility that suits advanced high school and college choirs.

What to expect

Optimistic, sophisticated, and genuinely fun. The opening phrase radiates charm, and Mattson's voicing deepens the harmonic palette while preserving the song's essential lightness. Singing this piece feels like being let in on a secret about American musical elegance.

Who it's for

This arrangement serves advanced high school choirs, college and university ensembles, and any SATB group seeking accessible yet musically substantial contest or concert material. Singers need secure part-reading skills and comfort with jazz-influenced harmonies, but no specialized training in jazz vocabulary.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the phrase lines with a light touch; this song thrives on conversational clarity rather than dramatic weight. Let the harmony support the vocal melody naturally.
Balance the soprano line carefully through the middle sections where the tune passes between voices. Rehearse these transitions as hand-offs rather than sudden solo moments.
Maintain rhythmic flexibility without losing the groove. Gershwin's jazz inflections need some give, but ensemble precision keeps them from sounding sloppy.
Pay attention to the text setting. Natural word stress and the lyric's inherent phrasing will guide your pacing better than a metronomic approach.

How to use it

Pair it with other 20th-century American choral standards for a thematic concert, or program it as a palate-cleansing contrast to heavier romantic or contemporary works. Its length and moderate difficulty make it suitable for festivals, competition rotations, or pops concerts where you want pieces that satisfy both singers and listeners.