A Very Merry Fa La La: 3-Part Mixed, a cappella Choral Octavo

Name: A Very Merry Fa La La: 3-Part Mixed, a cappella Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-39803
Price: 1.85 USD
Availability: InStock

Words and music by Sally K. Albrecht

Item: 00-39803

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Developing 3-part mixed choirs will enjoy learning and performing the independent "fa la la" melodies in this joyous original a cappella madrigal. Each voice part gets a chance to lead the add-on refrain. Offers an optional baritone part, too!

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 12

UPC: 038081444642

SKU: 00-39803

More about this title

About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

Sally K. Albrecht has shaped choral music education for over three decades, first as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at major educational publishers, most recently at Alfred Music, and as a composer with more than 600 published choral works in circulation. Her contributions to the field extend beyond the page: she has guest conducted honor choirs at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center, received the ASCAP Special Music Award annually since 1987, and taught in the music departments at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College.

Albrecht earned her B.A. in Music and Theater from Rollins College in 1976, then continued her studies at the University of Miami, where she received an M.A. in Drama and an M.M. in Accompanying. Her distinctive focus on choral movement and accessible, singable literature has made her a clinician sought after across the United States. In 2021, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from both the University of Miami Frost School of Music and Rollins College, where she serves on the Board of Trustees.

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Why we love this

Albrecht writes for developing choirs with genuine understanding of what young singers can achieve without condescension. The independent melodic lines here give each voice part real identity, and the rotating refrain leadership means every section gets a moment in the spotlight rather than treble voices carrying the piece. The a cappella format removes accompaniment crutches and builds confidence in blend and intonation.

What to expect

The fa la la refrain carries that bright, celebratory energy of Renaissance madrigals, but Albrecht's original melody keeps it fresh and contemporary in spirit. There's joy in the overlapping parts and real musical conversation between the voices, creating moments of genuine harmonic shimmer without requiring advanced musicianship.

Who it's for

This piece suits developing 3-part mixed choirs ready to tackle independent voice leading in an a cappella setting. It works equally well for middle school and high school choirs building confidence in blend and part independence, or for community adult choirs seeking accessible seasonal literature with genuine musical substance.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the opening melody cleanly before introducing the fa la la refrain; once singers know their entry points, the overlapping parts snap into focus.
Balance the three voice parts by ear rather than volume; SAB voicing can muddy quickly if sopranos oversing relative to altos and baritones.
Consider staging the optional baritone part as a solo entrance or have that section join later in rehearsal to highlight the moment of textural expansion.
Work rhythmic precision in the refrain sections first, since the off-beat character of fa la la patterns requires clean ensemble clarity.

How to use it

This pairs naturally with other secular winter selections to create a lighter, madrigal-inflected segment in a concert that might otherwise lean toward traditional carols or sacred literature. Its 12-page length and straightforward voicing make it ideal for a rehearsal slot mid-season when choirs are ready to move beyond unison but still building ensemble confidence in more complex textures.