Bethlehem Hallelu: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Name: Bethlehem Hallelu: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-20140
Price: 1.65 USD
Availability: InStock

Music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-20140

$1.65

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It has hints of Africa, as well as the Caribbean. Certainly, Bethlehem Hallelu has its roots in the African Diaspora. It's rhythmic and melodic, in a walking tempo wich anchors the piece as it builds through several rising modulations. A part for two drums is included in the publication and Jay Althouse lists no less than eight performances options in his Performance Notes, including voices with drum and bass. Tailor it to your needs and the talents of your students, or use the "world music" SoundTrax CD.

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 12

UPC: 038081187044

SKU: 00-20140

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse holds degrees in Music Education and Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was later honored as a Distinguished Alumnus. His career spans both the publishing industry, where he served eight years in rights and licensing administration and on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America, and prolific composition; his catalog includes more than 800 choral works performed regularly across the English-speaking world.

Beyond his output as a composer and ASCAP member, Althouse has shaped music education through multiple channels: he has co-created children's musicals with his wife Sally K. Albrecht, compiled and arranged vocal solo collections including Folk Songs for Solo Singers, and authored or co-written classroom resources such as The Complete Choral Warm-up Book, Accent on Composers, Ready to Read Music, and One-Page Composer Bios. His choral composition I Hear America Singing, written with Albrecht, was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. Althouse serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America and resides in North Carolina.

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Why we love this

Althouse has given directors real flexibility here. Eight distinct performance options mean you're not locked into one sound; you can strip the arrangement down to voices alone, add the drum parts for texture, bring in bass support, or use the accompaniment track depending on what serves your singers and your concert goals. The rising modulations and walking tempo create forward momentum that holds even younger or less experienced singers' attention, while the African Diaspora roots give the piece musical substance that goes well beyond typical holiday material.

What to expect

Rhythmically grounded and joyful, with a pulse that feels organic rather than mechanical. The blend of African and Caribbean melodic character creates warmth and movement; the successive modulations build lift without losing the piece's intimate, celebratory character.

Who it's for

Middle school and high school choirs looking for repertoire that honors cultural traditions while remaining accessible to developing singers. This piece works especially well for programs seeking world music representation during the holiday season or for choirs with mixed experience levels.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the walking tempo in rehearsal before adding layers. The pulse anchors everything, so lock it in early and keep it steady as you layer in the drum parts or accompaniment.
Treat the modulations as moments to lift energy and tone quality. Each key change is a chance for your singers to refresh their approach rather than push harder.
If using the SoundTrax CD, rehearse with it only after your singers know the melodic and rhythmic content without it. Build independence first.

How to use it

Pair this with spirituals or other world music arrangements to create a thematic program that explores how joy and celebration travel across cultures. The flexibility of the eight performance options makes it equally at home in a holiday concert, a world music festival, or a spring program celebrating cultural diversity.