Esta Es el Tiempo: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Althouse writes with genuine rhythmic vitality and textural clarity that singers respond to immediately. The bilingual approach feels organic rather than tacked on, giving choirs a genuine cross-cultural musical experience without sacrificing accessibility or fun. Programming this signals to your audience that you're programming for singers and listeners alike.

Sunshine and motion. The Spanish and English blend together with infectious energy, inviting singers to enjoy the text as much as the melody. There's a lightness here that never tips into fluff, grounded by Althouse's compositional craft and the warmth of genuinely singable lines.

Choirs at the intermediate level and beyond who want to expand their repertoire beyond traditional single-language pieces. This works equally well in concert settings, multicultural celebrations, or programming that emphasizes contemporary choral writing with accessible appeal.

• Lean into the rhythmic precision the accompaniment track establishes. Use the recorded track during early rehearsals to lock your ensemble's sense of groove before gradually reducing dependence on it.
• Pay attention to the Spanish and English text separately at first. Have singers isolate each language section so the pronunciation and vowel shaping feel native to each, then blend them seamlessly.
• The staging options included in this octavo open doors for visual storytelling. Even modest movement creates energy that matches the music's spirit.
• Balance the sweetness of the melody line with the rhythmic propulsion underneath. This piece breathes, so don't rush through it just because it feels upbeat.

Position this as a centerpiece for a concert celebrating cultural diversity or as a crowd-pleasing program opener that sets an upbeat, welcoming tone. It pairs beautifully with other contemporary choral works or as a palate-cleansing moment between heavier repertoire.

• Singing in two languages with accurate pronunciation and consistent vowel quality
• Rhythmic independence when singing against a recorded accompaniment
• Stylistic interpretation of contemporary choral idiom
• Movement integration with vocal performance
• Ensemble cohesion while executing staged choreography