Who Could Ask for Anything More?: SATB Choral Octavo

Althouse's arrangement respects the sophistication of these melodies while keeping the choral writing accessible and singable across a range of ensemble abilities. The medley format gives you real flexibility in concert programming—eight and a half minutes of recognizable Gershwin without the commitment of an entire lengthy work. Your singers will feel the joy of performing music that audiences genuinely want to hear.

Gershwin's genius for melody shines through every moment of this collection. You'll move through seven beloved songs with the lightness and sophistication of a well-choreographed evening—it feels elegant without being pretentious, fun without being trivial. The arrangement celebrates what made these songs timeless: clear, singable writing that lets the melodies themselves do most of the work.

Choirs with intermediate to advancing musicianship looking for repertoire that satisfies both singers and audiences will find real value here. This medley works for high school ensembles with solid intonation and above, as well as college and community choirs seeking lighter, joyful programming alongside their concert season.

• Anchor the rhythmic vitality of these songs by keeping the accompaniment track locked with your conducting tempo; the swing and syncopation characteristic of Gershwin's idiom relies on confident rhythmic ensemble.
• Shape the phrases with the lyrical intent Ira Gershwin's words suggest, even when singing solfège or during sectional rehearsals, so the vocal line remains conversational rather than purely mechanical.
• Balance the ensemble sound across your sections during the transitions between medley selections; Gershwin's orchestrations often featured clear instrumental color, so slight dynamic adjustments help voices mimic that timbral variety.
• Give yourself permission to lean into the harmonic sophistication—these aren't simplistic progressions, and your singers will gain confidence when they understand the voice-leading supporting each moment.

This medley sits beautifully as a showpiece on concerts that balance more contemporary or classical work with American standards. Consider programming it early in the second half of a concert to give your audience a moment of pure pleasure and recognition, or use it as a companion piece to other American repertoire from the early 20th century.

• Phrasing and text expression across a fast-moving medley structure
• Sustaining intonation through jazz-influenced harmonic movement
• Balancing individual voice parts in thick, chromatic chord voicings
• Maintaining rhythmic independence while singing with recorded accompaniment