Cante una Cancion (Sing a Song) Cover Image

Cante una Cancion (Sing a Song): SAB Choral Octavo

$1.75 USD
Sale price  $1.75 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
Cante una Cancion (Sing a Song) Cover Image

Cante una Cancion (Sing a Song): SAB Choral Octavo

Words and music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-28842

makemusic Cloud badge

Need it now?

Buy Digital Version
$1.75
Shipped

One moment…

Description
A light bossa nova beat is the groove of this upbeat music number. The lyrics are entirely in English except for the title, "Cante una Canción," which means "sing a song." Singable vocal lines are supported by an easygoing piano accompaniment. Ideal for general concerts any time of year. Featured on the "Hooray for Hollywood!" movement DVD #28868.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Cante una Cancion (Sing a Song): SAB Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Sample Pages

Sample Audio
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
UPC: 038081313863
SKU: 00-28842

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse studied music education and music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he later received the Distinguished Alumni award. His career in educational music spans decades as both a publisher administrator and prolific composer; he served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America and now sits on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.

With over 800 choral works in print across all levels, Althouse has become a defining voice in accessible choral writing for school and community ensembles. His output ranges from single octavos to full musicals co-written with his wife, Sally K. Albrecht, and includes widely used resources like The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers. A member of ASCAP, he regularly receives the organization's Special Award for his contributions to standard choral music.

Why we love this

Althouse knows exactly how to write a secular opener that feels fresh without demanding instrumental complexity or vocal heroics. The bossa nova groove gives your concert immediate energy and sophistication, while the English text and singable lines mean your choir can learn it quickly and enjoy the process. It fits anywhere on the calendar and works beautifully as either a program anchor or a bridge between heavier pieces.

What to expect

Bright and breezy, with a laid-back Latin swagger that feels summery and celebratory. The music invites the audience to smile and settle in, projecting warmth and confidence without strain.

Who it's for

Directors of general choir, show choir, and community ensembles who need a crowd-pleasing number with professional sound but accessible execution. It works equally well for middle school and high school singers, and requires only basic piano accompanying skills or the optional recorded track.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the rhythm section (piano and any optional instruments) locked in on the bossa nova pocket. The groove is the heartbeat of this number, so the accompanist should establish the pattern clearly in the opening measures and maintain it without rushing.
  • Encourage the choir to sing with a relaxed, conversational tone rather than a formal concert sound. This music thrives on an approachable, almost pop-influenced delivery that feels natural and engaging to an audience.
  • Balance the three SAB parts so no section overwhelms the others. The easygoing arrangement relies on blend and transparency, not power, to land well.
  • If you use the recorded accompaniment, have the choir rehearse with it early and often. Staying aligned with the click and the recorded groove prevents the piece from dragging and keeps everyone confident.

How to use it

Open a spring or fall concert with this number to establish an upbeat tone and pull your audience in immediately. It also serves as a palate cleanser between longer or more serious pieces, and its multicultural flavor makes it valuable in diversity programming or world music showcases.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing in a contemporary popular idiom with stylistic awareness
  • Maintaining rhythmic independence over a steady groove
  • Balancing three-part harmony with focus on blend and transparency
  • Reading and performing music with Latin/bossa nova rhythmic characteristics

You May Also Like