This Magic Moment (arr. Mac Huff): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Ben E. King The Drifters / As performed by Jay The Americans / Arranged by Mac Huff
Item: 35-PK00421897
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Description
First recorded by Ben E. King and the Drifters in 1960 this easy listening love song is here set in a doo wop style that harkens back to the 1950s with finger snaps, a doo wop bass line and a feature for a soloist who can really bring the style. The instrumental accompaniment for 2 trumpets, tenor and baritone saxophones, trombone and rhythm section is just as stylish as the vocals and together a scene with poodle skirts, bobby sox, duck tail hairstyles and all things cool from the period is set.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00421897
More about this title
About the Artist: Ben E. King The Drifters
Ben E. King rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the Drifters, one of the most influential R&B groups of the 1950s and 1960s. His rich, emotionally direct baritone became synonymous with the doo wop and early soul sound that defined an era. King's solo career proved equally significant; his composition and performance of "Spanish Harlem" and "Stand By Me" cemented his legacy as both an artist and songwriter of remarkable depth.
The Drifters themselves were instrumental in popularizing the doo wop vocal style and the sophisticated arrangements that accompanied it. Working with arrangers and producers who understood how to blend street-corner harmonies with polished instrumental accompaniment, the group created a template for popular music that influenced generations of singers and bandleaders. Their catalog remains essential listening for anyone studying American vocal music and the evolution of rhythm and blues.
Why we love this
Mac Huff captures the infectious charm of the original while giving your group a fully realized 1950s soundscape. The soloist feature combined with clean doo wop bass writing and snappy brass parts makes this engaging for both your singers and your band, and the period authenticity is strong enough that audiences immediately recognize where the style comes from.
What to expect
Stepping into a record hop or sock hop circa 1955. The arrangement swings with genuine period charm, balancing the sweetness of the melody with the rhythmic energy of early rock and roll. It's nostalgic without being precious, fun without losing musicality.
Who it's for
Choirs with access to a small brass section (trumpets, saxophones, trombone) and a soloist who understands how to deliver this style with restraint and warmth. Works well for groups seeking repertoire that bridges the gap between classical training and popular music, or for directors looking to program something that connects with audiences across age groups.
How to get the most out of it
- Anchor the doo wop bass line with your lowest voice; that rhythmic pocket is what makes the style work, and it needs to lock with the trombone and bass if you have one.
- Let your soloist sit comfortably in the middle of their range and focus on phrasing the melody with the conversational ease of the original recording rather than oversinging the sentiment.
- Keep finger snaps crisp and synchronized; they're not just texture here, they're part of the rhythmic foundation that gives the piece its period feel.
- Balance the vocal harmonies so they support rather than overpower the solo line; the magic in doo wop is how the group frames the lead voice.
How to use it
Pair this with other doo wop standards or vintage pop arrangements to create a thematic concert set. It works equally well as a lighter moment in a mixed program or as the centerpiece of a pops concert where you want to showcase your singers' ability to handle contemporary styles with historical awareness. Consider programming it during the spring concert season when programming becomes more relaxed.
Skills your students will build
- Singing with rhythmic precision in a syncopated style
- Maintaining a consistent doo wop bass line while other voices move
- Balancing solo and ensemble textures
- Understanding period-specific articulation and phrasing conventions
- Coordinating vocal rhythms with instrumental accompaniment
- Projecting character and style authenticity in popular music