At Last

The 1961 Etta James R&B/pop version is the inspiration for this arrangement although it's been done notably by Glenn Miller, Nat King Cole, Celine Dion and Beyonce Knowles. Perfect for a pops concert or an alternative string group, it is also an ideal vehicle for "finding the groove" which is essential in popular music, but not an easy concept for classically trained players. By introducing the style to young players, who have heard this style most of their lives, but perhaps never played it, it will make them better rounded musicians and provide them with experience in swing style and bluesy harmonies that could help with similar genres found in your Spring Musical pit orchestra. So it's not just a well written pop song, it has educational value.