Don't Stop the Music: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

Althouse brings a songwriter's ear to this secular piece, crafting music that feels contemporary and singable while respecting the choir's musicality. The addition of instrumental parts and a recorded accompaniment makes this particularly valuable for programs seeking flexibility in rehearsal and performance options. Directors consistently find his writing accessible without sacrificing musical substance.

The piece carries momentum and contemporary sensibility while remaining grounded in clear harmonic language. Singers feel supported by the recorded accompaniment and instrumental writing, allowing them to focus on blend and phrasing rather than hunting for pitch.

This piece serves choirs at intermediate levels and above who want contemporary secular music that connects with audiences. It works equally well for school choirs building a modern repertoire, community ensembles seeking accessible yet substantial writing, or any director pairing strong musical content with rehearsal flexibility.

• Balance the recorded accompaniment with your choir's natural blend by rehearsing with it early and often; this allows singers to claim ownership of their lines rather than simply following along.
• Reference the available instrumental parts during rehearsals to clarify harmonic movement and rhythmic precision, even if you ultimately perform with the digital accompaniment.
• Attend to text clarity in the context of the accompaniment's energy; Althouse's harmonic support can encourage singers to rush, so mark specific moments where breath and articulation need definition.

Program this as a centerpiece of a contemporary pops concert or as a contrast piece alongside classical or art song repertoire. Its accessibility and recorded accompaniment make it ideal for spring concerts where rehearsal time may be limited, and the available instrumental parts allow you to expand instrumentation based on your ensemble's strengths.

• Singing over recorded accompaniment with independence and confidence
• Balancing individual lines within a contemporary harmonic context
• Responding to rhythmic precision in a style-conscious arrangement