Once Upon a Time: SSA Choral Octavo
from the Broadway musical All American
Lyric by Lee Adams, music by Charles Strouse / arr. John Leavitt
Item: 00-PO-0006406
$2.10
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A fantastic feature for treble choirs, this dreamy ballad will be remembered long after your performance. Fluid legato lines stretch over a sweeping and dramatic piano accompaniment, while nuances of tempo and dynamics drive the emotional core of the song home. A hidden gem from the Broadway repertoire.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006406
More about this title
About the Composer: Charles Strouse
Charles Strouse (1928-2022) composed some of Broadway's most enduring melodies, from Annie to Bye Bye Birdie. His gift for crafting singable, emotionally direct lines made his scores accessible to amateur performers while remaining sophisticated enough for professional stages. For music educators, Strouse's work offers the rare quality of genuine theatrical impact that doesn't demand vocal virtuosity.
Why we love this
John Leavitt's arrangement captures the theatrical sweep of Strouse's original while keeping the writing singable for treble choirs at concert level. The piece succeeds because it balances legato, lyrical writing with moments of real emotional weight—your singers will feel like they're telling an actual story, not just executing notes.
What to expect
The piece evokes a storybook quality—intimate and reflective, yet touched with grandeur. Sweeping piano harmonies support tender vocal lines that feel both vulnerable and hopeful, creating a ballad that lingers in the listener's mind.
Who it's for
This octavo works beautifully for treble choirs in middle school through adult ensembles that have solid blend and can sustain long lines with control. It's ideal for choirs seeking concert repertoire that feels theatrical without requiring operatic technique.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the legato lines by imagining the text as continuous storytelling rather than separate phrases; let the melody breathe naturally even as you sustain the ballad's dreamy quality.
- Balance the three voices carefully in the harmonic passages so that the upper line remains the focus without forcing; use dynamic contrast to guide the ear through the arrangement.
- Work with your accompanist to nail the tempo transitions and dynamic swells marked throughout; the piano part is doing serious dramatic work and deserves rehearsal time.
- Attend to the vowel shapes, especially on sustained notes, to maintain the fluid, connected sound the arrangement demands.
How to use it
Place this as a feature piece in a concert of Broadway selections, where it will stand apart as the ballad that showcases vocal beauty rather than ensemble energy. It also pairs well in programs exploring themes of dreams or nostalgia, whether paired with contemporary art songs or other theatrical repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining legato lines over longer phrases with consistent breath support
- Balancing three-part harmony while maintaining a clear melodic line
- Responding to dynamic and tempo nuances that shape emotional expression
- Interpreting theatrical text with musical intention