Side By Side (arr. Tom Gentry): SSAA Choral Octavo

Tom Gentry's arrangement transforms this classic standard into an accessible four-part voicing that doesn't sacrifice musicality for ease. The barbershop and jazz idioms here feel organic rather than forced, giving your singers a chance to inhabit a real style while building genuine jazz phrasing and ensemble balance.

Warm, intimate, and companionable. This arrangement captures the nostalgic charm of the song's era while maintaining enough harmonic sophistication to keep mature singers interested. There's a gentle swing and lift throughout that invites singers to relax into the groove.

Treble choirs and vocal groups comfortable with jazz and pop idioms will find this arrangement engaging and not overly demanding technically. It works equally well for show choirs, community ensembles, and advanced middle school groups seeking repertoire with style and substance.

• Shape the melodic line with authentic vocal jazz phrasing rather than straight articulation. Let the swing feel breathe through your diction and rubato choices.
• Balance the inner voices carefully; in SSAA texture, the middle parts can easily disappear. These harmonies deserve to be heard and will improve intonation across the section.
• Record a full pass with your best singers to internalize the harmonic framework before drilling parts separately. Hearing the complete sound builds confidence faster than isolated section work.

This pairs beautifully on a program celebrating American popular song, or use it as a lighter moment between more formal classical selections. The six-page length makes it ideal as a concert closer or opener, and its style translates well to informal settings like community events or pops concerts.

• Jazz phrasing and swing articulation
• Barbershop harmony voicing and blend
• Balancing inner voices in SSAA texture
• Interpretation of period style (1920s–1930s standards)
• Collaborative listening in four-part ensemble