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

Mark Hayes's arrangement captures the sophisticated ease that makes Gershwin timeless. The unhurried swing feel sits perfectly in an SAB voicing, offering your singers the chance to inhabit a mature, elegant sound without requiring a large ensemble. This is the kind of piece that reminds audiences (and singers) why the Great American Songbook endures.

This arrangement has the warmth of a 1930s jazz club and the clarity of concert singing. The piano part frames the voices with gentle sophistication while the melody floats above with the ease of someone who knows exactly how charming they are. It feels like an intimate conversation set to music.

This octavo works beautifully for mixed choirs at the intermediate to advanced level. Directors programming concert pops, cabaret shows, or jazz-influenced programs will find this accessible and immediately polished. The three-part voicing makes it attainable for smaller choirs or community ensembles without sacrificing the Gershwin sound.

• Establish a relaxed swing pulse from the start. The charm lives in the unhurried quality, not in rushing the rhythm. Let the piano anchor the groove.
• Shape the phrase "the way you wear your hat" with conversational lightness. This opening sets the tone for the entire arrangement, so avoid over-singing it.
• Balance the voice parts carefully. The altos and basses support the soprano line, so check that inner voices stay in proportion and don't overshadow the melody.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the ensemble's feel before performing live. The swing articulation and tempo are essential references.

Use this as a bridge between traditional concert repertoire and contemporary popular song programming. It pairs naturally with other Great American Songbook standards or with Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hammerstein selections. Consider it for a spring pops concert, an evening of jazz and standards, or a program exploring American song traditions.

• Swing articulation and jazz rhythmic feel
• Maintaining clear voice independence in a three-part mixed voicing
• Phrasing and interpretation of American popular song idioms
• Balancing lyrical singing with rhythmic precision