The Best Is Yet To Come: SATB Choral Octavo

Paris Rutherford's arrangement captures the swinging confidence of the original while making it wholly singable for mixed voices. The piece sits naturally in a concert setting without sacrificing the jazz inflection that makes it so appealing. Your choir will sound polished and contemporary, and audiences recognize the melody instantly.

Optimistic and forward-looking, with the kind of understated elegance that makes good jazz standards timeless. The melody floats effortlessly over chordal support, creating a feeling of ease and inevitability rather than strain.

This arrangement suits concert choirs seeking accessible yet sophisticated jazz repertoire that appeals to mixed-age audiences. It works equally well for groups comfortable with light swing inflection and choirs building confidence in contemporary popular songwriting.

• Treat the rhythm section pushes as part of the harmonic fabric rather than accompaniment texture; lock the ensemble's comping behind the melody so it feels as one unit.
• Soften the consonants in "best" and "yet" across the ensemble to preserve the legit quality of the melody line while keeping diction clear.
• Balance the inner voices so the alto and tenor lines support rather than compete with the soprano melody; this arrangement thrives on textural layering.
• Let the swing feel breathe without rushing; the groove is carried by the rhythm section, so the choir can relax into a natural lift rather than pushing tempo.

Pair this with other mid-century standards or contemporary ballads for a pops concert, or use it as a palate cleanser between heavier choral works in a mixed concert. The 15-page length makes it substantial enough to anchor a set without overwhelming rehearsal time.

• Singing with jazz inflection and swing feel in a choral context
• Voice independence in four-part harmony with rhythmic complexity
• Blend and balance of SATB texture over swing accompaniment
• Musicality in familiar melodic material
• Coordination with rhythm section and recorded accompaniment