You Took Advantage of Me: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Greg Gilpin's arrangement captures the playful, self-aware humor of this number while keeping the vocal writing clean and singable for changing treble voices. The jazzy flavor and comedic momentum give singers genuine entertainment value, and the Fame film connection provides immediate cultural relevance that resonates with young musicians.

Witty, confident, and just a little bit sassy. The arrangement swings with jazz inflections and rhythmic snap, capturing both the era of the original 1928 song and the modern comedic sensibility of its recent film performance. It feels like a song sung by someone absolutely aware of their own appeal.

Treble choirs and changing voice sections looking for contemporary-sounding repertoire with genuine humor and theatrical flair. It works equally well for high school and adult women's choirs seeking fun material that doesn't sacrifice musicality.

• Treat the comedic timing as seriously as you would the vocal technique. The rhythmic precision and articulation choices are what make the humor land.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the groove before rehearsing. This arrangement has a specific jazz pocket that needs to feel natural from the start.
• Balance the vocal blend in close harmony passages while keeping each line audible. The arrangement's wit depends on clarity.
• Shape phrases with the lyrical intent rather than mechanical phrasing. Rodgers' melody rewards singers who understand the story and delivery.

Place this in a spring or end-of-year concert where you want to leave audiences smiling. It pairs naturally with other jazz-inflected or theatrical pop selections, or stand it alone as a showstopper after more serious repertoire.

• Jazz phrasing and swing articulation
• Comedic delivery and rhythmic precision in ensemble singing
• Close harmony blend and voice independence in chord progressions
• Connecting lyrical meaning to musical expression