I'm Always Chasing Rainbows: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Carl Strommen's arrangement strips away any arranging excess and lets the tune do what it does best: lodge itself in singers' minds and move audiences. The straightforward setting means your choir can focus on phrasing, blend, and expression rather than navigating complex harmonies, making this an excellent choice for building ensemble confidence while programming a beloved standard.

The melody carries an optimistic, gently nostalgic quality that feels both timeless and intimate. Strommen's arrangement preserves the song's directness while ensuring blend and musicality remain central, creating space for singers to connect emotionally with both the music and each other.

Choirs of all levels will find this accessible and rewarding. It works especially well for community choirs, school ensembles new to choral singing, and any group looking to add a genuinely beloved standard to their repertoire without steep technical demands.

• Lean into the melodic contour without oversinging the phrase; this song thrives on simplicity and warmth rather than dramatic intensity.
• Balance the recorded accompaniment carefully in rehearsal so singers develop independent intonation and don't rely on the track to stay centered.
• Let the lyrical quality breathe naturally; resist the urge to drive the tempo, which often undermines the reflective character of the text.

This pairs beautifully in a set of popular standards or as a bridge between classical and contemporary repertoire. Consider programming it where you want to build audience warmth and connection, or as a closer that reminds people why they fell in love with choral singing in the first place.

• Legit phrasing in a straightforward harmonic context
• Sustained vocal line and breath control across longer phrases
• Blend and balance without complex part-writing to navigate
• Interpretation of rubato and lyrical expression in accessible music