The Rhythm Of Life (from Sweet Charity) (arr. John Leavitt): SAB Choral Octavo
The Rhythm Of Life (from Sweet Charity) (arr. John Leavitt) Sheet Music Preview

The Rhythm Of Life (from Sweet Charity) (arr. John Leavitt): SAB Choral Octavo

As performed by Cy Coleman / Arranged by John Leavitt

Item: 35-DS00360052
Digital Download
$2.99
Description

The Rhythm Of Life (from Sweet Charity) (arr. John Leavitt): SAB Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Request This Title

Tell us you want it.

Start Your Free Trial

Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 11
SKU: 35-DS00360052

More about this title

About the Artist: Cy Coleman

Cy Coleman was a composer and pianist who shaped American musical theater from the 1960s onward. His gift for writing memorable melodies paired with sophisticated harmonies made him a distinctive voice in Broadway, and his work bridged the gap between jazz sensibility and popular song structure.

Coleman's catalog reveals a composer comfortable moving between styles. He created music that could be elegant and playful at once, which is precisely why his songs remain staples in choral programs and music classrooms decades after their debut.

Why we love this

John Leavitt's arrangement opens this jazzy Coleman gem to three-part mixed ensembles without diluting its rhythmic vitality or harmonic sophistication. The SAB voicing sits naturally, the orchestration translates idiomatically to piano, and the 11-page score feels substantial enough to showcase your singers' ensemble work without becoming prohibitively challenging.

What to expect

Buoyant and clever, with a rhythmic bounce that makes singers want to move. The harmonic language is more sophisticated than typical pop fare, giving the piece an intelligent playfulness that audiences recognize as grown-up entertainment wrapped in an accessible package.

Who it's for

Directors building a pop or light concert program who want material with real musical substance and Broadway credibility. This works equally well for high school choirs seeking contemporary repertoire or community ensembles looking to add theatrical flair to their season.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the swing feel early in rehearsal by isolating the rhythm section figures; locked pocket work here carries the entire arrangement.
  • Balance the melody and inner voices carefully, since Leavitt's harmonies deserve to be heard but shouldn't overshadow the lyrical content.
  • Shape phrase endings with a light lift rather than a hard stop; the song's theatrical DNA shows itself in how you breathe between sections.
  • Let the text drive your tempo choices. The rhythm of the lyrics themselves will guide your placement of the beat better than a metronome click.

How to use it

Pair it with other Coleman or theatrical standards to build a concert devoted to mid-century musical theater songwriting. It also serves as an excellent bridge piece in variety programs, offering contemporary appeal while maintaining the polish of concert work.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and performing swing rhythms and syncopation
  • Balancing melody with jazz-influenced harmonic accompaniment
  • Connecting diction and phrasing to rhythmic content
  • Singing in three-part mixed voicing with controlled blend

You May Also Like