As Time Goes By: SSA Choral Octavo

This arrangement brings one of cinema's most recognizable melodies into a choral setting without sacrificing the song's inherent elegance or its appeal to contemporary singers. Jay Althouse's harmonies support the tune while leaving room for personality, and the optional solos give directors flexibility in casting and configuration. The flexibility across jazz, show, and concert contexts means you can program it in multiple ways throughout your season.

Romantic and nostalgic without sentimentality, "As Time Goes By" carries the sophistication of its 1940s origin while remaining immediately accessible to modern singers and listeners. The melody unfolds with unhurried grace, inviting the kind of warm, sustained singing that feels both natural and expressive. This is music that audiences know and love instantly, yet rewarding enough to sing well.

This octavo works for SSA choirs at all levels, from high school treble ensembles to adult community choirs seeking accessible popular repertoire that still demonstrates musicianship. Directors looking to program a recognizable, audience-friendly piece that rehearses quickly without sacrificing musical substance will find it invaluable.

• Shape the melody with a gentle legit approach in the opening phrases; resist over-phrasing that would feel dated. The song's power lies in its simplicity.
• Balance the SSA texture so the melody voice remains clear without drowning out the harmonic foundation. This is especially important in fuller passages where all three parts move together.
• If using the optional solos, rehearse them early so featured singers develop confidence with the material. These moments benefit from a slightly more intimate, almost conversational delivery than the tutti sections.
• Take advantage of the recorded accompaniment to lock in phrasing and tempo during sectionals, but consider rehearsing some passages unaccompanied to strengthen intonation in the harmonized sections.

Program this as a showcase piece in a concert focused on American standards or classic film music, pairing it with other mid-century repertoire for a cohesive evening. It also works exceptionally well as a performance piece for holiday concerts or spring pops concerts where accessibility and emotional resonance matter as much as technical display.

• Sustaining legit vocal tone across a range in ensemble texture
• Balancing melody and harmony in SSA writing
• Interpretation and phrasing of popular melody in a choral context
• Ensemble blend and intonation in four-part harmonic progressions