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

Jay Althouse's arrangement captures the elegance of these two standards while keeping the choral writing singable and engaging across mixed ability levels. The addition of a small jazz ensemble (saxophones, trumpet, trombone, and rhythm section) lifts the piece beyond a traditional choral setting, giving singers genuine ensemble partners to blend with and learn from. This is exactly the kind of sophisticated-but-achievable repertoire that reminds choirs why these songs have lasted nearly a century.

Sophisticated yet approachable, with the warmth of classic songwriting and the rhythmic ease of swing. The instrumental parts add color and authenticity without overwhelming the voices, creating a sound that feels like stepping into a mid-century supper club where the singers are the real attraction.

This arrangement serves choirs that want to venture into jazz and popular repertoire without abandoning choral craft. It works equally well for high school ensembles seeking accessible Great American Songbook material and community or church choirs looking to expand beyond traditional choral fare.

• Balance the choir's dynamics to complement rather than overpower the instrumental parts, especially the sax solos. The ensemble should support the arrangement's conversational quality rather than dominate it.
• Work the transition between the two songs deliberately. Establish clear phrase shapes in each so the shift feels intentional rather than abrupt.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock ensemble rhythms, particularly in sections where the rhythm section sits behind the voices. This trains singers to listen horizontally and maintain independence.

Use this as a palate cleanser in concerts featuring more classical or sacred work, or program it alongside other pop standards to build a full set. It also serves as an excellent introduction to jazz interpretation for choirs transitioning into that idiom.

• Jazz phrasing and swing rhythms
• Balancing voices with small ensemble accompaniment
• Reading notation with syncopated rhythmic patterns
• Interpretive choices in popular song (rubato, dynamics, articulation)
• Blend and intonation in a stylistically different context