When I Fall in Love: SSA Choral Octavo

Jay Althouse's arrangement captures the warmth and optimism of this classic without losing its sophistication. The swing-inflected rhythms and contemporary harmonic touches make it feel current rather than nostalgic, and SSA voicing keeps it energetic and bright while remaining vocally comfortable for most ensembles.

Optimistic and unhurried, this arrangement invites singers into a confident, joyful declaration of love. The swing rhythms give it a gentle bounce, while the rich harmonies and song structure create moments of tenderness that feel earned and sincere.

Show choirs, concert choirs, and jazz ensembles with strong sight-reading skills and comfort with swing idiom will find this arrangement immediately engaging. SSA voicing makes it ideal for upper-level treble choirs, mixed youth ensembles, and women's groups looking for repertoire that balances accessibility with musical substance.

• Anchor the swing feel with a steady, relaxed pulse; resist the temptation to rush. The arrangement breathes when the rhythm section breathes, so listen closely to any recorded accompaniment for the proper groove.
• Shape the melody line with warmth and legit singing through the sustained passages. This is a love song, so emotional sincerity matters more than technical perfection.
• Use the movement and staging suggestions in the score to create visual interest without overshadowing the lyrical content. Subtle blocking that reflects the song's sentiment will enhance the performance.
• Balance the harmonic voices carefully in the inner parts; they support the melody but should never overpower it. Pay attention to blend in the jazz-influenced chord voicings, especially in the closer harmonies.

Program this as a standalone feature on a mixed concert, or pair it with other standards from the Alfred Pop Choral Series to create a themed set. Its length and popularity make it an excellent choice for spring concerts, show choir competitions, or as an encore that audiences will recognize and enjoy.

• Singing in swing rhythmic style with accurate placement of eighth-note and sixteenth-note subdivisions
• Interpreting jazz-influenced harmony and chord extensions
• Balancing melody and supporting harmonic voices in SSA texture
• Performing with stylistic nuance and emotional authenticity in a secular standard
• Working with recorded accompaniments and maintaining ensemble cohesion with rhythm section