Exsultate Cantamos Festivo: SAB Choral Octavo

Althouse solves the challenge of finding energetic Latin repertoire that doesn't demand technical virtuosity from younger singers. The piano accompaniment carries the rhythmic drive and excitement, allowing your SAB ensemble to focus on confident, clean singing while the speech choir section gives the piece theatrical punch and an unforgettable moment. The included SoundTrax CD offers flexibility: program with the full brass arrangement for a formal concert or use the hot Latin track for a more contemporary, high-energy presentation.

Infectious and celebratory, with propulsive rhythms that pull singers and listeners forward. The speech choir section strips away the melody and leans into call-and-response excitement, creating a moment of raw ensemble power before the piece concludes.

SAB choirs seeking repertoire that celebrates Latin and Spanish cultures without requiring advanced vocal technique. This work suits middle school through early high school ensembles, community choirs, and festival programming where rhythmic energy and accessibility are equally important.

• Teach the speech choir section as a rhythmic group exercise before integrating it into the full score. Work for precision and unison punch; the 16 measures land hardest when executed with absolute agreement.
• Let the recorded accompaniment anchor your early rehearsals, particularly the Latin-inflected piano patterns. Once your singers are secure, you can pull back on the recording and shape the vocal balances independently.
• Emphasize the rhythmic forward momentum in the vocal parts. These lines are straightforward melodically, so direct energy toward articulation and ensemble precision rather than intricate interpretation.
• If using the brass version for performance, conduct a separate rehearsal with the recorded accompaniment to lock the ensemble's tempo and feel with the full orchestration before the dress rehearsal.

Open a concert with this piece to establish an energetic, welcoming tone, or use it as a crowd-pleaser mid-program when audience engagement matters most. It pairs well with other multicultural repertoire or works by contemporary choral composers, and fits naturally into themed concerts on Latin music, Spanish cultural heritage, or world music.

• Rhythmic precision in Latin and Spanish musical idioms
• Ensemble blend and balance across SAB voicing
• Confidence performing text in Spanish and Latin
• Rhythmic ensemble work in the speech choir section
• Singing over a rhythmically active, non-homophonic accompaniment