6 Best Choir Music For Jazz That Top Directors Recommend

Your child comes home buzzing with excitement about joining the school’s new vocal jazz ensemble, or maybe their concert choir is tackling a jazz piece for the first time. You want to be supportive, but the world of "charts," "arrangers," and "swing rhythm" feels completely new. Understanding what makes for great jazz choir music is the first step in helping them on this exciting new path.

Choosing Jazz Charts for Your Developing Choir

Think of choosing a jazz chart like picking out a new pair of cleats for soccer. You wouldn’t buy a professional-level shoe for an eight-year-old just starting out. The same principle applies here; the music must match the choir’s developmental stage to be both fun and educational. A great arrangement for a developing choir isn’t just a simplified version of a famous song, it’s a piece specifically crafted to teach the core elements of the jazz style.

For young or beginner groups, look for charts with clear, logical vocal lines and ranges that aren’t too demanding. The best introductory pieces focus on one or two key concepts at a time. Maybe it’s a simple walking bass line in the low voices or easy-to-learn scat syllables that build confidence without overwhelming them. The goal is to give them a successful first taste of a complex and wonderful art form.

As a choir matures, they can handle more sophisticated challenges. This is where you see more complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and opportunities for improvisation. The key is a gradual progression. Jumping from a simple two-part chart to a dense, professional-level arrangement can lead to frustration. The right music meets students where they are and gives them the tools to get to the next level.

"Lullaby of Birdland" arr. George Shearing

When a choir is ready to move beyond the basics and dive into truly iconic jazz harmony, this is the piece directors turn to. "Lullaby of Birdland" is a cornerstone of the jazz repertoire, and George Shearing’s own arrangement is legendary. It’s the perfect vehicle for teaching students about the tight, lush harmonies that define the classic vocal jazz sound.

This arrangement is a masterclass in blend and balance. It forces singers to listen intently to one another to tune complex chords, which is a massive step forward in their musical development. While challenging, the vocal lines are so beautifully written that they feel intuitive once the singers lock in.

Think of this piece as the first "serious" jazz chart for an intermediate ensemble. It’s a rite of passage that signals a choir is ready for more advanced literature. Successfully performing it builds immense confidence and gives students a tangible connection to the history of the genre.

"It Don’t Mean a Thing" arr. Paris Rutherford

Your child’s group has the notes and the harmonies down, but are they really swinging? This is the chart that teaches that concept. "It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got a Swing)" is more than a title; it’s the central lesson of jazz rhythm, and Paris Rutherford’s arrangement is one of the best for teaching it.

Rutherford brilliantly captures the driving energy of the Duke Ellington original in a way that is accessible for school choirs. The chart is filled with classic swing rhythms and fun, energetic scat sections that feel natural, not forced. It’s a piece that gets out of the head and into the body, helping singers feel the pulse internally.

This is an absolute must-have for any group learning to perform up-tempo swing. It’s a crowd-pleaser, an energy-booster, and an incredible educational tool all in one. If a choir can nail this chart, they understand the rhythmic heart of jazz.

"My Funny Valentine" arr. Kirby Shaw for Ballads

Every great jazz set needs a change of pace, and that’s where the ballad comes in. Singing a slow song well is often much harder than singing a fast one. It requires incredible breath control, emotional maturity, and a sophisticated sense of phrasing, and "My Funny Valentine" is the quintessential jazz ballad.

Kirby Shaw is a master of arranging for educational choirs, and his take on this standard is a perfect fit for developing groups. He preserves the rich, complex harmony of the original while ensuring the vocal parts are singable and emotionally resonant for younger performers. This arrangement teaches students how to shape a phrase, tell a story, and use vulnerability as a musical strength.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a great ballad in a choir’s library. It develops a completely different, and essential, set of skills than up-tempo pieces. This chart provides the perfect framework for students to explore musical expression and nuance.

"The Girl from Ipanema" arr. Mac Huff for Latin

Jazz is a global music, and introducing students to styles beyond swing is crucial for a well-rounded education. Bossa Nova, with its gentle pulse and sophisticated harmonies, is a fantastic place to start. "The Girl from Ipanema" is arguably the most famous Bossa Nova in history, making it an instant point of connection for students.

Mac Huff is another giant in the world of choral arranging, known for his solid, teachable charts. His arrangement makes the signature Bossa Nova rhythm feel effortless and light. It’s a fantastic piece for working on pure tone and a relaxed style of singing, which can be a welcome contrast to the high energy of other jazz styles.

Adding a Latin chart like this to a choir’s repertoire expands their entire musical world. It introduces new rhythms, new languages (often with both Portuguese and English lyrics), and a new sense of coolness and style. It’s a vital ingredient for a versatile vocal jazz program.

"Sing, Sing, Sing" arr. Philip Kern for Show Choirs

Sometimes, you just need a showstopper. For choirs that incorporate movement or simply love high-octane performance, "Sing, Sing, Sing" is the ultimate choice. This big band-era smash hit is pure, explosive energy from start to finish.

Philip Kern’s arrangement is designed for maximum impact. It captures the frantic, driving percussion of the original and translates it into exciting vocal parts. This is the kind of piece that teaches stamina, rhythmic precision, and how to maintain vocal health while delivering a powerful performance.

While it’s a perfect fit for a show choir, any concert choir can use it as a blockbuster finale. It’s pure fun, and it allows students to let loose and embrace the theatrical side of performance. This chart is a guaranteed audience favorite.

"Blue Skies" arr. Roger Emerson for Young Choirs

What about the very beginning? For a middle school choir just dipping its toes into jazz, or even an elementary group, you need a piece that is encouraging, simple, and fun. Irving Berlin’s "Blue Skies" is a timeless, optimistic tune, and Roger Emerson is the go-to arranger for young and developing voices.

Emerson’s arrangements are celebrated because they are pedagogically sound. He understands the vocal limitations and learning styles of younger singers. This chart would feature mostly two or three-part harmony, clear and repetitive rhythms, and a supportive piano accompaniment that helps the singers find their notes.

This is the definition of a confidence-builder. It introduces the concept of swing in a very gentle way and gives students a quick taste of success. Starting with a positive and achievable piece like this is the best way to spark a lifelong love for jazz.

Building a Foundational Jazz Choir Library

As you support your child or their choir program, think about their music library like a well-balanced meal. You don’t want to just serve up one thing. A great foundational library gives students a taste of the whole, rich world of jazz.

A strong starting library should include these core food groups:

• A solid up-tempo swing chart to teach rhythm and energy (like "It Don’t Mean a Thing").
• A beautiful ballad to teach phrasing and expression (like "My Funny Valentine").
• A Latin-style piece to expand their stylistic horizons (like "The Girl from Ipanema").
• An accessible entry-level piece to build confidence (like "Blue Skies").

Having a few proven, high-quality arrangements is far more valuable than having a stack of mediocre ones. These six charts, recommended by directors for decades, provide a roadmap for a student’s journey. They ensure a choir isn’t just singing songs, but actively learning the skills and styles that define this incredible American art form.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide your child with musical experiences that challenge them, build their skills, and bring them joy. The right music is the most important tool for that job. By understanding what makes a great chart, you can better support their director and celebrate every step of their growth as a musician.