I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter (arr. David Scott): SSA Choral Octavo

David Scott's SSA arrangement captures the playful charm of this standard without oversimplifying it. The voicing sits naturally for developing singers while preserving the song's conversational warmth and subtle jazz inflections, making it accessible and genuinely fun to perform.

Intimate and genial, like overhearing someone's candid late-night thoughts set to music. The arrangement balances an almost vaudeville-like directness with musical sophistication, creating a piece that feels both timeless and immediately present.

This works for developing SSA ensembles, especially those comfortable with jazz-inflected pop material and conversational texts. It suits directors seeking a piece that's genuinely engaging for singers without being condescending or overly simplified.

• Treat the lyric as a monologue from the character writing the letter. Let natural speech rhythm guide your phrasing rather than sitting rigidly on the beat.
• Balance the homophonic and contrapuntal sections carefully; when voices move independently, each line should have clear narrative purpose rather than serving merely as filler.
• The arrangement benefits from a light, conversational tone in rehearsal. Avoid lush, classical choral sound; instead aim for clarity and personality that echoes the vernacular origins of the text.
• Pay close attention to any divisi moments in the middle voices, as they create harmonic color that can easily blur if blend isn't deliberate.

Pair it with other early American pop standards or songbook material to create a concert segment with period charm. It also works beautifully as a closer for a more pop-leaning concert, where its self-aware humor and warmth can leave audiences smiling.

• Performing jazz-inflected rhythms and swing articulation in choral context
• Lyric interpretation and character work in secular vocal music
• Listening to harmonic movement across divisi sections
• Balancing homophonic and contrapuntal textures within a single piece