The Best Things in Life Are Free (arr. Kirby Shaw): Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK01433925
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Description
Turn back the clock roughly a century with Kirby Shaw's bright and appealing arrangement of "The Best Things in Life Are Free," a jaunty jazz-age anthem with a timeless message of positivity. This classic by the legendary songwriting trio of DeSylva, Brown, and Henderson encourages us with the reminder that the greatest treasures - life, love, and the beauty of the world around us - can be ours at no cost.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01433925
More about this title
About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw
Kirby Shaw's influence on choral music education spans five decades and six continents. Armed with degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University and a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, Shaw has built a reputation as both educator and composer. He founded the acclaimed COS Vocal Jazz Ensemble at College of the Siskiyous and later directed similar programs at Colorado State University and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. His teaching combines rigorous musicianship with infectious humor, an approach that has shaped singers across 45 states and internationally.
With over 2,500 arrangements and compositions in print and nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide, Shaw's output stands as one of choral music's most significant bodies of work. He has worked one-on-one with vocal legends including Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks. His arrangements have garnered multiple ASCAP awards, and he recently completed a commission for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Beyond his choral work, Shaw is a member of the a cappella ensemble Just 4 Kicks and has co-created an original musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol with his wife Markita.
Why we love this
Shaw's gift for capturing the swagger and warmth of the jazz standard without overcomplicating the ensemble part makes this arrangement accessible to groups still developing their jazz vocabulary. The brightness and optimism of the piece provide an emotional counterweight to heavier repertoire, and the timeless lyrics give it real staying power in programming. This is the kind of song that reminds audiences why they fell in love with singing in the first place.
What to expect
Stepping into a 1920s jazz club where the band is swinging and the room is full of easy laughter and genuine joy. There's confidence in the melody and an infectious optimism in the arrangement that makes singers want to move and audiences want to smile. The piece carries the elegance of a classic standard while keeping things light and unpretentious.
Who it's for
High school and college choirs looking to expand their jazz repertoire without requiring advanced technical demands. Groups with developing rhythm sections and singers new to swing style will find this piece forgiving and fun. Directors programming a spring concert or pops show will appreciate a selection that energizes both performers and audience.
How to get the most out of it
- Articulation shapes the character here. Clean, crisp consonants on the syncopated rhythms will let the jazz phrasing breathe instead of sounding muddy.
- Balance the solo moments generously. If the arrangement includes a featured vocalist, resist the urge to fill every rest with harmonic texture from the ensemble.
- Lock into the groove by anchoring the rhythm section (or rhythm section recording) early in rehearsal. Once the ensemble feels the pocket, the swing and bounce fall into place naturally.
- Treat the lyrics as conversational, not declamatory. These words carry genuine warmth, so encourage singers to connect with the sentiment rather than push the volume.
How to use it
Use this as a mood shifter in the middle of a concert or as an encore that leaves the audience feeling uplifted. Pair it with other swing-era standards or mix it into a program that moves between classical and contemporary styles. It works especially well in spring pops concerts or benefit performances where accessibility and immediate appeal matter.
Skills your students will build
- Swing eighth-note interpretation and jazz phrasing
- Reading and executing syncopated rhythms
- Balancing ensemble texture with featured solo lines
- Stylistic flexibility across jazz and pop idioms
- Connecting emotional content to performance choices