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

Mark Hayes's arrangement captures the urbane sophistication of Gershwin's original without losing the conversational ease that makes this song so enduring. The voice writing is genuinely strong; nothing feels forced or awkwardly harmonized. Choirs love this piece because audiences recognize it immediately, but singers discover there's real musical substance beneath that charm.

Sophisticated warmth and nostalgic affection. The arrangement moves with unhurried grace, never rushing; the harmonic language is colored by blue notes and jazz sonorities that feel both familiar and subtly elegant. Singing this piece feels like inhabiting a moment of genuine tenderness, with a wink of wit never far behind.

This octavo works for intermediate to advanced choral ensembles with some experience in jazz-influenced repertoire and swing rhythms. It suits high school show choirs, college chorales, community choruses, and professional groups looking to program standards with substance. Singers need secure intonation and the ability to hear jazz harmonies, but the writing itself is accessible.

• Treat the swing feel as a gentle constraint, not a driving force. The "unhurried" quality means laying back slightly on eighth-note subdivisions; let the piano anchor the rhythm while voices shape the melody with expressive flexibility.
• Balance the octavo's voice parts carefully in the opening phrase. Hayes gives each line room to breathe, so avoid blending them into uniformity; maintain clarity and independence so the harmonic sophistication comes through.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the rhythmic pocket and swing inflection, especially if your ensemble is new to this style. Hearing Hayes's intended groove will settle any questions about tempo and feel.
• Shape phrases to honor Gershwin's lyrical intent. The text is conversational and affectionate, so encourage singers to think about the emotional arc of each phrase rather than mechanically executing the notes.

Program this alongside other Gershwin-era standards or Great American Songbook selections to anchor a mid-century American popular music set. It pairs naturally with other Hayes arrangements or jazz-influenced choral works, creating a cohesive concert segment that appeals to broad audiences. The sophisticated accessibility makes it an excellent piece for pops concerts, holiday programs, or recitals celebrating American musical heritage.

• Reading and performing swing rhythms and syncopation
• Understanding jazz harmony and blue-note inflection
• Maintaining independent voice parts while blending in ensemble texture
• Interpreting lyrical phrasing and emotional subtext in popular song
• Coordinating with piano accompaniment in a jazz-influenced style