Come, See the Baby: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo

Name: Come, See the Baby: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-16376
Price: 2.25 USD
Availability: InStock

Music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-16376

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A new, original Christmas spiritual by Jay Althouse in the traditionof his top-selling Whisper!, Whisper!, I saw a Star, and Star of Glory. This full-sounding work features much three-part singing over a solid, traditional bass part, as well as an echo section between the women and the men. Sudden dynamic changes are powerful and effective (and simple to sing).

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Come, See the Baby: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081142784

SKU: 00-16376

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 Alumni. His career spans both the publishing industry, where he spent eight years overseeing rights and licenses for a major educational music publisher and serving on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America, and prolific composition. With more than 800 choral works in print, Althouse has built a catalog performed across the English-speaking world and recognized by ASCAP with multiple Special Awards.

Beyond his compositions, Althouse has shaped music education through co-written resources like The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers, as well as classroom materials including Ready to Read Music and One-Page Composer Bios. He has collaborated with his wife, Sally K. Albrecht, on children's musicals and vocal collections. A notable achievement includes co-writing I Hear America Singing, performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Barack Obama's 2009 Inauguration. He currently 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's spiritual tradition delivers genuine impact without complexity. The piece earns its full sound through accessible three-part writing over a grounded bass line, and the dynamic contrasts hit hard precisely because they're straightforward to execute, giving singers confidence to shape the music. Experienced ensembles will recognize the hallmark echo passages between treble and lower voices as the kind of interactive device that energizes rehearsal and keeps audiences engaged.

What to expect

Warm, grounded, and joyful. The piece inhabits the spiritual tradition authentically, building its power through layered voices and strong harmonic roots rather than flashy writing. The sudden dynamic shifts create moments of brightness and intimacy that feel both earned and refreshing.

Who it's for

This octavo suits choirs with a blend of experienced and developing singers. The accessibility of the vocal writing makes it realistic for community and church choirs, while the spiritual's traditional harmonic language and dynamic architecture offer substance that mature ensembles can shape with real artistry.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the three-part writing carefully so that the upper voices blend smoothly without overwhelming the solid bass foundation. Blend matters more than volume.
Shape the echo sections between women and men with clear intent. These moments work best when both groups listen to one another and respond with conviction rather than mechanical precision.
Treat the sudden dynamic changes as structural signposts rather than surprises. Mark them in rehearsal early so singers anticipate and commit to each shift.

How to use it

Program this as the centerpiece of a Christmas concert focused on spirituals and traditional sacred music, where it will anchor an evening thematically. It also serves well as a set opener, drawing the audience in with immediate accessibility and musical substance.