I'm Always Chasing Rainbows: TTBB Choral Octavo

Carl Strommen strips away unnecessary complexity and delivers an arrangement that lets the song breathe. The TTBB voicing sits comfortably in the range, and the straightforward harmonic movement means your singers can focus on tone quality and style rather than wrestling with notation. This is the kind of dependable, music-first setting that makes rehearsal time productive and performance satisfying.

Optimistic and buoyant, with a gentle swing that reflects the song's vaudeville roots. The melody sits naturally in the voice, and the supporting harmonies create a warm, nostalgic quality that resonates across generations without feeling dated.

Male and mixed male choirs (TTBB voicing available in alternate configurations) looking for accessible repertoire that audiences recognize and enjoy. Choral directors need straightforward arrangements that serve developing singers without sacrificing musicality, and this setting delivers both.

• Shape the melodic line with gentle dynamic swells to reflect the optimistic character of the text; avoid treating it as perfectly metered throughout.
• Let the lower voices anchor the harmonic progression without pushing volume; their role is foundational support, not competition with the tenors.
• Emphasize the lift and lightness in the phrasing to match the whimsical imagery of chasing rainbows, which prevents the piece from becoming ponderous.

This standard works beautifully as a contrast to more serious or contemporary repertoire on a concert. It also pairs well with other classic American songbook pieces for a full program celebrating vintage pop and jazz standards, or serves as an engaging encore that audiences often recognize and appreciate.

• Singing supported by recorded accompaniment and adjusting to harmonic changes
• Balancing soprano and alto lines with lower voices in TTBB texture
• Interpreting style in a popular song context
• Reading straightforward vocal scores with moderate harmonic rhythm