Summertime (arr. Mac Huff): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by George Gershwin / As performed by Ira Gershwin / Arranged by Mac Huff
Item: 35-PK00309457
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Description
One of the most treasured songs of all time, Gershwin's highly evocative writing mixes elements of jazz with artsong to create a masterwork of the 20th century. This tasteful choral setting weaves the melody through different voices with wordless choral textures, forming a rich backdrop of sound. Starting rubato, a full dynamic range and a dramatic piano accompaniment add to the emotion.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00309457
More about this title
About the Artist: George Gershwin
George Gershwin (1898-1937) bridged classical composition and American popular music with a fluency few composers have achieved. His concert works, Broadway scores, and songs became foundational texts for understanding 20th-century music, and his influence shaped how generations of musicians think about genre boundaries.
For educators, Gershwin matters because his music teaches students to hear sophistication in accessibility. His harmonic language, rhythmic flexibility, and orchestrational clarity remain models for how to write idiomatically for voices and instruments without sacrificing artistic substance.
Why we love this
Mac Huff's arrangement preserves Gershwin's harmonic and melodic sophistication while making the piece singable and dramatically coherent for mixed ensembles. The weaving of the melody through different voices creates textural interest that keeps singers engaged, and the rubato opening gives ensembles a moment to establish mood before the full accompaniment arrives.
What to expect
Elegant and introspective, with moments of lyrical warmth. The song unfolds like a conversation between singer and accompanist, intimate even in full voice, with the kind of emotional directness that comes from simple, perfect melody supported by rich harmony.
Who it's for
Intermediate to advanced mixed or treble choirs with access to a strong pianist. The arrangement requires singers who can blend in sustained wordless passages while maintaining intonation and awareness of harmonic function.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening rubato section with intentional breath and phrase architecture; resist the urge to push forward until the accompaniment enters and anchors the tempo.
- Balance the wordless textures carefully so the choral backdrop enhances rather than obscures the primary melodic line wherever it sits.
- Collaborate closely with your pianist on the dynamic range of the accompaniment; the piece depends on the keyboard part moving between transparency and drama to carry emotional weight.
- Allow the full range of dynamics to breathe. This arrangement gains its power through contrast, not constant loudness.
How to use it
Pair this with other Gershwin-era standards or jazz-influenced art songs to create a concert segment that highlights American songwriting. It works equally well as a concert closer or as a showcase for your piano accompanist, particularly if you're programming around themes of 20th-century American music or nostalgia.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining tone and intonation through rubato and tempo flexibility
- Blending in wordless choral textures while maintaining individual vocal independence
- Navigating jazz-influenced harmony and harmonic rhythm
- Ensemble balance between accompanied singing and orchestration
- Phrasing across longer melodic lines with legit vocal technique