Swingin' with the Gershwins!: SATB Choral Octavo

Mac Huff's medley construction keeps the energy high without sacrificing the harmonic richness that makes Gershwin enduring. The balance between unison passages and close-voiced jazz chords means singers at varied reading levels can contribute meaningfully, and the optional solos invite your strongest players to step into the spotlight while the ensemble provides sophisticated accompaniment.

Sophisticated fun. The piece swings with genuine jazz flavor while maintaining enough structural clarity that singers stay engaged rather than lost. It's got snap and wit without winking at the audience; the energy feels earned, not affected.

Choirs with solid rhythmic foundation and comfort with jazz-influenced harmony. This works well for groups eager to program something contemporary-feeling while staying grounded in standards; high school and community choirs will find real satisfaction in the execution.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the swing sections early; Gershwin's syncopations need crisp articulation and rhythmic confidence to land properly. Run these passages slowly at first, locking in the subdivision before adding tempo.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to anchor harmonic intonation, especially in the close-voiced jazz chords. Have singers listen through once just to absorb the color before rehearsing with it.
• Shape the optional solos with the same attention you'd give your strongest instrumental features. These moments deserve polish and character work, not afterthought treatment.
• Lean into the character changes between songs. Each Gershwin standard brings its own mood; treat the medley as a sequence of moments rather than a single continuous groove.

Ideal as a concert closer when you want to send the audience out smiling. The five-minute length and upbeat character make it an excellent palette-cleanser between heavier repertoire, and the instrumental parts available give you flexibility in supporting the ensemble with live band colors if you have musicians available.

• Reading and singing jazz voicings and extended harmonies (seventh chords, suspended chords, chromatic movement)
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated swing rhythms and off-beat articulation
• Blend and balance in close-voiced chord writing
• Stylistic flexibility and character work across multiple melodic settings
• Optional solo performance and confidence singing over ensemble harmony