Yes Indeed (arr. Earl Moon): SSAA Choral Octavo

Earl Moon's arrangement brings the infectious energy of this jazz standard into the SSAA voicing with surprising sophistication. The piece swings hard while remaining accessible to intermediate choirs, making it an excellent choice for directors seeking that rare balance between musical integrity and ensemble confidence.

Playful and spirited, with the warmth of swing era nostalgia. The piece invites singers to lean into the groove with personality and confidence, creating that satisfying blend of precision and spontaneity that defines great jazz singing.

Intermediate to early advanced SSAA choirs looking for material that showcases the fun side of jazz and swing without sacrificing musical substance. Barbershop directors and jazz choir leaders will find it equally valuable for adding standard-based literature to their repertoire.

• Establish the swing feel in rehearsal by anchoring the rhythm section (or recorded accompaniment if available) before adding the vocal parts. A clear groove from the start prevents the piece from feeling rhythmically unmoored.
• Shape the phrasing around the lyrical content rather than strictly by bar lines. This tune thrives on conversational energy and forward momentum, which young singers often discover through listening to the original recording.
• Balance harmonic color over blend in the homophonic sections. The jazz voicings are meant to sing out a bit, creating that gleaming barbershop quality Earl Moon has built into this arrangement.
• Keep diction crisp and rhythmically precise during the syncopated passages. Lazy consonants will blur the wit and snap that makes this tune feel alive.

Program this as a concert opener or closer to establish an upbeat, approachable mood, or pair it with other jazz standards to create a full set exploring American vernacular music. It works equally well as a showcase piece for a spring concert or as a confidence builder mid-year when singers need material that feels achievable yet rewarding.

• Reading and executing swing rhythms and syncopation
• Singing jazz harmonies and extended chord voicings
• Maintaining forward momentum and groove within a choral context
• Diction clarity and precision in fast, rhythmically complex passages
• Balancing blend with harmonic color in four-part writing