Bound to Go: SATB Choral Octavo
Words based on a spiritual from St. Helena Island, South Carolina, words and music by Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0000791
$1.75
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Don't miss this new walking-tempo spiritual, inspired by the songs of the South Carolina Sea Islands. Powerful message with optional solos and descant. Appropriate for school or church choirs. Accompaniment included on PianoTrax 1 CD (00-31028).
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0000791
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 with the Distinguished Alumni award. His eight-year tenure in rights and licensing at a major educational music publisher gave him deep insight into what choirs need, and he served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America during that time.
With more than 800 choral compositions in print, Althouse has established himself as a prolific voice in choral music across all levels. A writer member of ASCAP and frequent recipient of the ASCAP Special Award, he has also collaborated with his wife Sally K. Albrecht on children's musicals, compiled respected vocal solo collections, and authored influential books on choral technique and music history. His work reflects a sustained commitment to making music education accessible and meaningful, evident in both his compositions and his contributions to the Folk Art Society of America.
Why we love this
Althouse brings the authentic character of Lowcountry spirituals into a walking-tempo setting that sits comfortably in rehearsal while remaining emotionally direct. The inclusion of optional solos and a descant gives you flexibility to feature singers or keep the focus on ensemble blend, and the straightforward harmonic language ensures the spiritual's message lands clearly without sacrificing musical depth.
What to expect
This spiritual unfolds with quiet determination, each phrase building a sense of inevitability and hope. The walking tempo keeps listeners grounded while the harmonic progression and optional solos create moments of intimate reflection within a larger narrative of resilience and faith.
Who it's for
School choirs seeking substantial repertoire that speaks to both secular and sacred contexts will find this piece welcoming and performable. Church choirs of all experience levels can access its spiritual roots and emotional resonance. Mixed-voice ensembles looking for material that bridges traditional sacred music with contemporary sensibility will appreciate Althouse's approach.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a steady, grounded pulse in rehearsal before adding expressive shaping. The spiritual's power comes from forward motion, not rubato.
- Balance the optional solo passages carefully against the full ensemble; these moments work best when they feel like a natural conversation within the choir rather than a spotlight departure.
- Let the descant part breathe as an independent line rather than doubling the soprano melody. It should add texture and lift, not compete for attention.
- Draw attention to the text's meaning during warm-ups and sectionals. Spirituals carry history and intention; singers who understand this will bring appropriate weight to the performance.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for a spirituals-focused concert or as a meaningful closing number for a mixed repertoire program. It also pairs well with other contemporary sacred works, offering directors a bridge between traditional choral literature and modern interpretations of spiritual music.
Skills your students will build
- Singing spirituals with cultural awareness and historical context
- Balancing solo passages with ensemble blend and support
- Managing optional divisi and descant parts within SATB texture
- Sustaining steady pulse and forward motion at walking tempo
- Communicating narrative and emotional intent through choral tone