They Can't Take That Away from Me Cover Image

They Can't Take That Away from Me: TTBB Choral Octavo

$2.10 USD
$2.10 USD
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They Can't Take That Away from Me Cover Image
They Can't Take That Away from Me: TTBB Choral Octavo

They Can't Take That Away from Me: TTBB Choral Octavo

Music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin / arr. Mark Hayes

Item: 00-48848

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Description
Now available S.S.A.A. and T.T.B.B. One of the most charming songs from the great era of American popular song. "The way you wear your hat, the way you sip your tea . . . no, no, they can't take that away from me." The unhurried swing feel of this arrangement is right on target for the sophisticated Gershwin style. Strong voice writing and supportive piano accompaniment. A classic!

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081561721
SKU: 00-48848

More about this title

About the Composer: George Gershwin

George Gershwin (1898-1937) bridged the worlds of concert music and popular song with uncommon sophistication. His melodic gift, harmonic invention, and rhythmic vitality transformed American musical theater and concert halls alike, influencing generations of composers across genres.

Gershwin's songs with lyricist brother Ira represent the apex of the Great American Songbook. Their collaborations combined witty, singable lyrics with harmonies that rewarded both casual listening and deep musical study. Though Gershwin's life was cut short, his works remain central to music education because they teach jazz idiom, voice leading, and the art of the memorable melody.

Why we love this

Mark Hayes has captured the essence of Gershwin's sophistication without overcomplicating it. The TTBB voicing opens this standard to repertoires that often struggle to find arrangements of genuine quality, and the swing feel sits naturally in the voices rather than feeling imposed. This is a piece that sounds elegant in rehearsal and feels rewarding to perform.

What to expect

Sophisticated without pretension. The melody flows with conversational ease, and Hayes's voicing sits comfortably in the male voice range while maintaining the elegance Gershwin intended. You feel the swing, not just hear it; the harmony glows with that particular warmth of Gershwin's jazz-inflected chromaticism.

Who it's for

TTBB choirs seeking repertoire that combines accessibility with genuine musical substance. Directors building programs around Great American Songbook standards will find this arrangement a reliable choice for audiences of all ages. Upper-level high school and college men's ensembles benefit from material that demands musicality without requiring extended vocal range.

How to get the most out of it

  • Anchor the swing feel in the rhythm section (piano and basses if available). The 'unhurried' quality means resisting the urge to rush; let the syncopation breathe rather than drive.
  • Balance the melody line between tenor 1 and tenor 2 so the iconic opening phrase lands with the warmth it deserves. The lower voices support but don't compete.
  • Pay attention to the text painting in phrases like 'the way you sip your tea.' Gershwin's lyrics invite naturalistic phrasing; honor the conversational tone beneath the musical sophistication.
  • If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse with it early so singers absorb the swing articulation and feel secure in performance.

How to use it

Program this as a standalone showcase for your men's section during a concert that mixes classical and popular repertoire. It pairs naturally with other Gershwin settings or with American song standards from the same era. The 12-page octavo length makes it manageable for mid-season learning, and its appeal to general audiences makes it ideal for pops concerts or community performances.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing swing rhythms and jazz articulation in a choral context
  • Balancing a melody line while maintaining inner voice independence
  • Interpreting lyrical text with musical intention
  • Reading and performing in TTBB voicing with harmonic awareness

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