Tell Her About It (arr. Jack Zaino): Choral Instrumental Pak
By Billy Joel / Arranged by Jack Zaino
Item: 35-PK01077796
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Description
Billy Joel had no shortage of hits, as his songwriting prowess showed equal attention to music and lyrics. This 1983 #1 Hit hearkens back to Motown and soul, with an accessible arrangement and horn section to boot!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01077796
More about this title
About the Composer: Billy Joel
Billy Joel emerged as one of popular music's most distinctive voices, bridging classical training with rock, pop, and soul sensibilities. His songwriting across five decades demonstrates rare command of both melody and lyric, earning him induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and cementing his place as a generational influence on how musicians approach craft.
Why we love this
Jack Zaino's arrangement captures the infectious groove and horn-driven energy that made the original a chart-topper while keeping the vocal writing fresh and singable for mixed ensembles. The addition of a functional horn section gives your group that authentic Motown/soul sound without requiring advanced soloists, making it immediately gratifying to perform.
What to expect
Warm, personable, and groove-heavy. The arrangement has a knowing wink to it, channeling the Motown and soul traditions with genuine affection rather than pastiche. From the first moments, your ensemble will feel the song's conversational ease and the pleasure of locking into a pocket-friendly rhythm.
Who it's for
Choirs and vocal jazz ensembles seeking repertoire with contemporary appeal and built-in audience recognition. It works equally well for mixed voice programs, smaller chamber choir setups, and groups looking to balance classical concert programming with something people actually want to hear.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums) to the original recording's pocket before rehearsing full ensemble; the song's appeal hinges entirely on groove consistency.
- Shape the horn hits as punctuation, not melody. They should snap into place with precision and release cleanly to let the vocal line breathe.
- Pay attention to the lyrical phrasing in the verses. Joel's original dips and bends naturally with speech patterns, so encourage singers to follow conversational contours rather than strict metric alignment.
- Keep the overall energy buoyant and conversational, especially in the opening sections. This song lives in charm and directness, not in bombast.
How to use it
Pair it with other pop standards or contemporary hits in a spring or winter concert to draw casual listeners into your concert hall. It also works as a crowd-pleasing encore or as the opening number in a pop/rock focused concert set, establishing energy and goodwill immediately.
Skills your students will build
- Singing and playing in a syncopated, groove-based style
- Balancing vocal melody against rhythmic accompaniment
- Ensemble articulation and precision in horn section writing
- Phrasing and inflection based on conversational speech patterns
- Responding to and maintaining a steady rhythmic pocket