Swingin' with the Gershwins!: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Mac Huff's arrangement captures the unbridled energy of Gershwin's catalog without losing the sophistication that makes these songs endure. The optional solos and brass writing give your ensemble real character and style, while the five-minute duration makes it an ideal closer for a mixed concert or a showstopper in a jazz-focused program.

Unapologetic fun wrapped in smart voicing. The arrangement crackles with swing, featuring chord changes that feel contemporary even though they're rooted in early jazz tradition. Your singers will feel the energy of the era the moment they open their music.

Choirs comfortable with jazz idioms and looking to add swagger to their repertoire. This works equally well for high school choirs, community groups, and college ensembles seeking a sophisticated yet genuinely fun showpiece.

• Balance the jazz harmonies by letting inner voices shine; these secondary chords are what gives the arrangement its character, so resist the urge to let the melody dominate.
• Take full advantage of the recorded accompaniment to lock the swing feel. The rhythm section sets the pocket, so lock in early in rehearsal and trust the groove.
• If soloists are featured, rehearse them separately first so they feel secure with the harmonic movement before stepping into the full ensemble sound.
• Work brass entries crisply; the "hot horns" mentioned in the description need clarity and precision to cut through the vocal texture without muddying the mix.

Use this as a finale or penultimate selection on a concert that spans multiple genres; its infectious style provides both musical substance and audience delight. It pairs naturally with other American songbook standards or works as the swing anchor in a jazz-focused choral program.

• Singing jazz harmony and voice leading, including secondary dominants and altered chords
• Swing feel and stylistic articulation in a choral context
• Ensemble blend across a medley structure with shifting harmonic textures
• Responding to optional solo opportunities within an ensemble setting