I'm Always Chasing Rainbows: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo

Name: I'm Always Chasing Rainbows: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-CH9864
Price: 2.25 USD
Availability: InStock

Music by Harry Carroll, lyrics by Joseph McCarthy / arr. Donald Moore

Item: 00-CH9864

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From Don Moore comes a wonderfully fresh a cappella edition of the classic movie-music favorite. Finger snaps and the straight-ahead swing style give this arrangement that street corner doo-wop styling. Sure to be a favorite with singers and audiences!

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Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 029156910629

SKU: 00-CH9864

Instrumentation: Opt. Bass & Finger Snaps

More about this title

About the Composer: Joseph McCarthy

Joseph McCarthy (1884-1943) was a prolific lyricist during the Golden Age of American popular song and musical theater. Working alongside composers like Harry Carroll, he crafted lyrics for dozens of standards that became staples of Tin Pan Alley and early film soundtracks, demonstrating a gift for singable, memorable melodies paired with conversational yet poetic language.

McCarthy's output spanned vaudeville, Broadway revues, and Hollywood's earliest musical films. His collaborations with Carroll produced several enduring songs that remain accessible to choral arrangers and performers today, offering modern singers a direct connection to early twentieth-century American popular music.

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Why we love this

Don Moore's arrangement captures the infectious optimism of this vintage standard while injecting genuine personality through finger snaps and doo-wop styling. The a cappella texture lets voices carry the full character of the song, and the optional bass and percussion parts give you flexibility depending on your singers' strengths and rehearsal time.

What to expect

Optimistic and buoyant, with a street-corner charm that feels both nostalgic and immediately present. The finger snaps and swing rhythms create a casual, almost throwback vibe that makes the piece feel like a musical snapshot from a different era, yet one that audiences connect to instantly.

Who it's for

This arrangement works for mixed choirs of any experience level looking to add a fun, accessible standard to their repertoire. Singers enjoy the straightforward melody and upbeat mood, while directors appreciate Moore's clean writing that doesn't demand extensive rehearsal time.

How to get the most out of it

Keep the swing style loose and rhythmically conversational rather than metronomic; the finger snaps should feel like a casual groove, not a click track.
Treat the optional bass and finger snap parts as texture builders, not essential. Even without them, the SATB voices are complete and sit well together.
Shape the melodic line in the soprano and alto parts with gentle dynamic peaks rather than straight dynamics; this vintage style thrives on character and lift.
Balance between clarity and blend in the lower voices so the harmonic foundation never muddles the doo-wop feel.

How to use it

Program this alongside other standards or pop-choral selections in a concert celebrating American popular song, or use it as a crowd-pleasing opener or closer that brings immediate warmth and humor to your concert. The doo-wop styling and accessible melody also make it suitable for school assemblies, holiday programs, or pops-style concerts.