Taking a Chance on Love: SSA Choral Octavo
Music by Vernon Duke / arr. Kirby Shaw / Words by John La Touche and Ted Fetter
Item: 00-PO-0006990
$1.40
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A classic jazz standard in a classic Kirby Shaw arrangement! The snappy rhythms, tasty contrapuntal writing, and clever lyrics keep things interesting but always accessible. Perform with the included piano accompaniment or the swingin' SoundPax featuring trumpets, saxophone, trombone, and rhythm section. Vocal jazz singing at its best!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006990
More about this title
About the Composer: Vernon Duke
Vernon Duke (1903-1969) was an American composer who bridged classical training and popular song with remarkable fluency. Born in Russia and educated in Europe, he moved to the United States and became a prolific songwriter for Broadway, film, and the concert hall, composing over 1,000 works across multiple genres.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures everything that makes this standard enduring: the infectious swing, the clever interplay between voices, and the rhythmic snap that keeps an audience engaged. The SSA voicing opens this piece to choirs that might otherwise skip jazz repertoire, and the dual accompaniment options (piano or full SoundPax) let you program it whether you're in an intimate setting or a full concert hall.
What to expect
Snappy and sophisticated. The piece bounces with rhythmic momentum and playful interaction between voice parts while maintaining the smooth, sophisticated sound of a classic jazz ballad. There's genuine humor in the lyrics and clever counterpoint, but the overall effect feels polished and elegant rather than novelty-driven.
Who it's for
SSA choirs with singers who can handle swing rhythm and aren't intimidated by jazz harmonies. This works especially well for programs aiming to showcase contemporary choral repertoire or for directors looking to add a witty, energetic standard to a concert without compromising musical depth.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the swing feel with your rhythm section or the recorded accompaniment from the start of rehearsal. SSA voicing can sometimes flatten the groove; make sure your singers feel the backbeat even when the lyrics land on unexpected beats.
- Shape the contrapuntal lines so each voice part remains clear and singable without becoming disconnected from the whole. These overlapping melodies are what makes Shaw's writing distinctive, so bring them out without forcing.
- Balance the harmonic sophistication (jazz chords, chromatic movement) with the accessibility of the lyric. Singers should feel confident with the jazz idiom and not apologize for the style.
How to use it
Program this as an opener or a shift-in-mood piece within a larger concert. The rhythmic energy and accessibility make it an excellent bridge between more classical fare and contemporary material, and it works beautifully as a standalone feature or paired with other jazz standards.
Skills your students will build
- Swing rhythm and jazz phrasing (distinguishing swing eighths from straight)
- Reading and executing syncopated rhythms across multiple voice parts
- Balancing independent melodic lines while maintaining harmonic cohesion
- Jazz articulation and style conventions in ensemble singing
- Lyric clarity and comedic timing in performance