As Time Goes By: SAB Choral Octavo

Jay Althouse's arrangement captures the song's cinematic elegance while making it genuinely singable for SAB choirs. The optional solos create flexible casting opportunities, and the inclusion of an alto sax part (available in the SoundPax) opens doors for mixed ensembles that blend voices with instruments. It's the kind of crowd-pleasing repertoire that works equally well at a concert or a jazz showcase.

There's an inherent sophistication to this melody that never feels precious or overwrought. The arrangement respects the song's golden-age Hollywood roots while keeping things warm and conversational, like a late-night conversation set to music. Minor seventh chords and gentle dissonances give it just enough harmonic color to feel contemporary without abandoning the standard's essential character.

This octavo serves choral directors working with mixed voices at the high school and community college level, as well as show choirs and jazz ensembles seeking crossover repertoire. The SAB voicing makes it accessible to groups without strong soprano sections, and the optional solo writing invites singers who might gravitate toward more contemporary styles.

• Let the melody's shape breathe in the alto section. This arrangement settles the tune in a comfortable range for the middle voices, so resist the urge to drive the tempo. The song's power comes from its simplicity.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, listen to it multiple times with singers before rehearsal. The arrangement's jazz and pop styling requires a relaxed, natural approach to phrasing that differs from classical choral technique.
• Consider the optional solos as conversation starters with your ensemble. Assigning them to singers with secure pitch and natural musicality encourages ownership and prevents the solo sections from feeling disconnected.
• If you add the alto sax part, balance it carefully during rehearsals. The sax should complement rather than compete with the choral texture, especially in measures where both voices and instrument share the melody.

Program this alongside other classic standards if you're building a "Golden Age of Song" concert, or use it as a bridge piece between a classical set and lighter pop repertoire. It also pairs naturally with other movie themes, making it an excellent choice for a film music showcase. The arrangement's versatility means it works equally well in a formal concert hall or a more casual performance setting.

• Phrasing and expression in popular music idioms
• Singing jazz-inflected harmonic movement (minor sevenths and extended chords)
• Ensemble listening when soloists are featured
• Collaboration between voices and instrumental accompaniment (if alto sax is added)