Theme from New York, New York: SAB Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes's arrangement distills the swagger and style of the original into a format that works for treble-dominant choirs without sacrificing the jazz sensibility or Sinatra's signature swagger. The published kick line at the end gives your singers a moment to shine with personality, and the piece lands hard enough that audiences remember it long after the concert ends. This is reliable, crowd-pleasing repertoire that students genuinely want to sing.

Urbane and breezy, with the kind of easy confidence you hear in a classic Vegas lounge act. The arrangement swings without being difficult; it captures New York's energy and Sinatra's cool in a package that feels both timeless and immediately fun to perform.

Choirs with solid rhythm and a comfort singing in a contemporary jazz style. The SAB voicing accommodates mixed ensembles with stronger treble sections, making it ideal for middle school, high school, and community choirs looking for an upbeat, recognizable standard that requires modest vocal range and endurance.

• Anchor the rhythm section parts (available separately) to lock in the jazz groove; the swing feel depends on the band staying laid-back rather than rushing.
• Shape the melody line with rubato in the verses to echo Sinatra's phrasing, then snap back to a tight groove when the kick line enters.
• Bring out the harmonic color in the SAB voicing by balancing the inner voices; the altos and basses carry important jazz chords that support the sopranos' lead.
• Rehearse the final kick line with rhythmic precision and attitude; this moment should feel confident and celebratory, not tentative.

Program this as a closing or near-closing piece on a concert of standards or Broadway hits; it's short enough to fit flexibly but memorable enough to send audiences out in a good mood. It also works beautifully as a finale to a concert themed around American songbook music or mid-century entertainment.

• Singing jazz articulation and swing rhythms
• Balancing melody and harmonic voices in SAB texture
• Interpreting stylistic nuance and phrasing in popular vocal music
• Performing with rhythmic precision in an ensemble with instrumental accompaniment