A Teenager in Love Cover Image

A Teenager in Love: SATB Choral Octavo

$2.25 USD
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A Teenager in Love Cover Image
A Teenager in Love: SATB Choral Octavo

A Teenager in Love: SATB Choral Octavo

Words and music by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman / arr. Jay Althouse

Item: 00-28468

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Description
Oh the heartache! "Why must I be a teenager in love?" It's a musical question from the sock hop days of the fabulous '50s. The jitterbug-style arrangement is lively and fresh, yet captures the feel of a more innocent era.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081310121
SKU: 00-28468

More about this title

About the Composer: Doc Pomus

Doc Pomus (1920-1991) was a lyricist and songwriter who shaped the sound of 1950s rock and roll alongside his writing partner Mort Shuman. Though he was blind from infancy, Pomus became one of the most prolific hitmakers of the era, crafting songs for artists like Elvis Presley, The Drifters, and Bobby Vinton. His gift was for capturing genuine emotion in accessible melodies, whether writing love songs or novelty numbers that made audiences smile.

Pomus's work remains a cornerstone of American popular music education because it bridges technical craftsmanship with immediate memorability. For choral directors, his compositions offer students a direct connection to authentic 1950s songwriting while maintaining the melodic strength that defines the best pop music of any era.

Why we love this

Jay Althouse's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original while giving each voice part genuine melodic interest rather than relegating anyone to filler harmony. The jitterbug feel is genuinely fun to sing, and the novelty element gives your ensemble permission to loosen up and enjoy themselves, which is essential after programming weightier fare.

What to expect

Stepping into this arrangement is like walking into a sock hop frozen in time, complete with earnest teenage angst delivered with a wink and a knowing smile. The melody sits comfortably for singers, and the harmonies bubble with energy, creating that perfect blend of nostalgia and infectious good humor that makes audiences remember why they love choral music.

Who it's for

This piece works beautifully for any SATB choir looking to program something from the American songbook that feels both historically grounded and immediately engaging. It's especially valuable for ensembles that want to build confidence and joy in younger singers while teaching them about authentic 1950s pop idioms.

How to get the most out of it

  • Nail the rhythmic bounce by thinking of the jitterbug pulse as a gentle swung eighth-note feel rather than strict sixteenth notes; this keeps the piece lively without sounding rushed.
  • Balance the upper voices in the harmony sections so the arrangement's buoyant texture shines; these parts move quickly and deserve to be heard as the playful countermelody they are.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment in early rehearsals to anchor the harmonic changes, especially during the modulations, then gradually reduce reliance on it as singers internalize the progression.

How to use it

Program this alongside other secular pops from different eras to create a survey of American songwriting, or use it as your emotional palate cleanser between a serious classical work and an uplifting finale. It's also an ideal selection for spring concerts or community pops nights where you want to celebrate the lighter side of choral repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Swung rhythms and the feel of 1950s pop idioms
  • Balancing homophonic and polyphonic textures within a single arrangement
  • Singing independently in a four-part texture while maintaining harmonic blend
  • Interpreting stylistic nuance in secular, novelty-tinged repertoire

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