I Only Have Eyes for You / The More I See You: Choral SoundPax

Jay Althouse's arrangements of these two standards strike a balance between authenticity and accessibility that's rare in the pop choral catalog. The small horn section (alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, trombone) sits comfortably in most programs, and the tunes themselves are instantly recognizable to audiences while offering real interpretive depth for singers.

Sophisticated and approachable at once. These songs carry the warmth and directness of classic crooner standards, but Althouse's voicing keeps things contemporary and choral rather than retro. There's genuine tenderness in the harmonic language and a lightness of touch that makes these feel conversational rather than bombastic.

Choirs with access to small horn sections or willing to hire parts for a special concert. This works equally well for high school jazz choirs, collegiate pop groups, or community choirs looking to program familiar territory with real musical substance. The 28-page format suggests a substantial arrangement with room for divisi and development.

• Balance the vocal lines with the recorded accompaniment so the ensemble remains the focal point; the rhythm section should support, not compete.
• Treat the horn interludes as conversation with the singers rather than interruptions; a slight give in tempo during these passages creates space and sophistication.
• Shape each phrase with the natural speech rhythms of the lyrics; Althouse's voicing follows the text closely, so letting the words breathe will improve both clarity and musicality.
• Lean into the jazz vocabulary of these pieces; swing the eighths, use rubato where it feels organic, and encourage singers to listen to classic vocal recordings for authentic phrasing models.

Program this as a centerpiece in a standards-focused concert or as a bridge between classical and pop repertoire. The pairing of two songs by the same lyricist gives you flexibility to present them as a medley or separately, depending on your program shape and pacing needs.

• Jazz phrasing and swing interpretation
• Balancing vocal blend with instrumental accompaniment
• Reading jazz voicings and harmonic concepts
• Ensemble listening across multiple independent lines
• Stylistic authenticity in standards repertoire