Taking a Chance on Love: Choral Octavo InstruPax

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures everything that makes this standard endure: the melody is irresistible, the harmonic movement is sophisticated without being labored, and the contrapuntal layers give singers real musical work to do. The included SoundPax with horns transforms rehearsal into a professional performance experience, making this one of those pieces that builds confidence and joy in equal measure.

Bright, energetic, and unapologetically fun. The counterpoint weaves without sounding academic, and the lyrics invite personality. This is vocal jazz that swings without pretension.

Choirs with solid rhythmic foundation and interest in jazz repertoire. This works for high school or college ensembles ready to tackle syncopation and multiple independent lines without simplified voicing.

• Balance the swing feel between rhythmic precision and relaxed phrasing; the snappiness comes from clean articulation, not rushing.
• Highlight the counterpoint without burying the main melody; Shaw's writing stacks voices deliberately, so each line deserves clarity.
• Shape the lyrics with theatrical awareness; this song has narrative and personality, so let the humor and optimism come through in your diction and energy.
• Use the SoundPax to establish the groove and feel before drilling sectional work; hearing the full horn section helps singers internalize the swing style.

Pair this with other vocal jazz standards or swing-era repertoire for a concert section that celebrates American songwriting. It also works beautifully as an opener or closer; the optimism of the title and lyric sets an immediate tone.

• Swing rhythm and triplet subdivision
• Reading and performing independent counterpoint
• Jazz interpretation and articulation
• Secure part singing in a harmonic context without doubling the melody