As Time Goes By: TBB Choral Octavo

Russell Robinson's arrangement unlocks this classic for mixed choral voices without sentimentalizing it. The swing ballad character stays intact while the voicing (TBB/TTB/TTBB options) gives flexibility to groups of different sizes, and the moderate difficulty means rehearsal time spent here pays off in genuine musicianship, not just rote learning.

There's an unhurried elegance here, the musical equivalent of sitting in dim light with a cocktail in hand. The melody moves with the casual inevitability of someone stating a quiet truth, and Robinson's voicing deepens that mood with warm harmonic color rather than flashy arranging.

This arrangement works for both treble and lower voice choirs, as well as mixed ensembles, thanks to the multiple voicing options. Directors with Grade 3 vocal skills in their singers can confidently program this without extended preparation time, and it suits both concert and pops programming.

• Shape the famous opening phrase with a clear arc; resist the temptation to rush the text "You must remember this." The lyric deserves breathing room.
• Blend the recorded accompaniment with your own rehearsal by using it selectively at first (focus on securing entrance pitches and harmonic sonorities), then reduce reliance gradually so the choir owns the phrasing by performance.
• Balance the swing feel against the ballad's inherent sentimentality. The rhythm section sits slightly behind the beat in this style; help your singers hear this pocket rather than fighting it.

Anchor a pops concert with this piece, or use it as a sophisticated closer for a standard choral program seeking a moment of reflection. It pairs naturally with other American Songbook standards and works equally well as a spring concert feature or a fundraiser gala number.

• Swing rhythm interpretation and ensemble synchronization with a rhythm section
• Phrasing and legato singing in a ballad style
• Voice leading across multiple voicing arrangements (TB/TTB/TTBB flexibility)
• Intonation in four-part harmony with jazz-influenced chord extensions