You're Looking At Me: SSA Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the cool elegance of this jazz standard while keeping the voicing accessible for developing SSA choirs. The piece sits comfortably for most voice types and offers just enough harmonic sophistication to keep singers engaged without overwhelming them.

Smooth and romantic, with that unmistakable cool of mid-century jazz standards. The texture feels intimate even when the full choir sings, creating an atmosphere of understated sophistication and quiet confidence.

This arrangement works for choirs with basic jazz experience who want to explore the standards repertoire. It's ideal for groups looking to program a sophisticated pop-jazz piece that doesn't require extensive vocal special effects or extreme ranges.

• Approach the phrasing as conversational rather than purely lyrical; singers should feel like they're telling a story to someone specific rather than singing at an audience.
• Balance the soprano and alto lines carefully during the homophonic sections so that no single voice overwhelms the texture.
• Use the natural rhythmic swing of jazz phrasing rather than metronomic precision; some rubato in the melody will honor the idiom.

Pair this with other Krall arrangements or standards interpretations for a jazz-focused concert segment, or use it as a palate cleanser between more dramatic classical and contemporary works. It also works well as an encore that leaves audiences in a reflective mood.

• Jazz phrasing and interpretive flexibility
• Balancing harmonic voices in SSA voicings
• Understanding swing rhythm and syncopation
• Intimate communication of lyrical content