They Say It's Wonderful (from Annie Get Your Gun) (arr. Katie Farrell): SSAA Choral Octavo

Katie Farrell's arrangement captures the romantic warmth of this Berlin standard while crafting writing that sits naturally in women's voices. The piece balances accessibility with genuine musicality, giving singers a chance to explore phrasing and blend without excessive technical demands. It's the kind of song that reminds audiences why American songbook material remains a cornerstone of choral repertoire.

Warm, conversational, and gently swinging. The melody unfolds like someone sharing a delightful secret about love and romance, supported by rich harmonic colors that suggest the sophistication of 1940s Broadway without ever feeling stuffy. There's both sincerity and a light touch of humor in the way Berlin sets these words.

Women's choirs exploring the American songbook will find this arrangement both achievable and satisfying. It works equally well for show choirs, barbershop ensembles, and concert choirs seeking a crowd-pleasing standard that doesn't sacrifice musical substance.

• Shape the melody line with gentle dynamic swells rather than rigid forte and piano shifts; Berlin's phrases breathe best when treated as lyrical units.
• Blend the inner voices carefully during the harmony sections so they support rather than compete with the sopranos.
• Let the text drive your tempos and phrasing choices; "They say it's wonderful" gains power from conversational ease, not mechanical precision.
• Consider light, jazz-inflected articulation on repeated syllables to capture the Broadway character of the original.

Pair this with other songs from the Great American Songbook for a thematic concert, or use it as a palate cleanser between heavier classical works. It also fits naturally into programs celebrating musical theater or 20th century popular music, and the five-page length makes it manageable for groups new to arranging their own pop and standards repertoire.

• Singing in close harmony within a women's voicing
• Phrasing and expression in jazz and popular music styles
• Balancing soloistic and supportive roles within an ensemble
• Text interpretation in conversational, song-like contexts
• Blend and balance across inner voice parts