Festival Deck the Hall: SSATB, a cappella Choral Octavo
Arr. Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0004217
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A fresh and contemporary a cappella approach to a traditional carol. Jay Althouse has added wonderful new rhythms and harmonies, and has added a completely unique "fa la la" section reminiscent of a Swingle Singers arrangement. The first part of each phrase is true to the original carol; it's the "fa la la's" which take off in a whirlwind of choral excitement. Original, exceptional...and your singers will love it!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0004217
More about this title
About the Arranger: Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse holds degrees in Music Education and Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was honored with the Distinguished Alumni award. His career spans both the publishing side of music education and active composition; he spent eight years managing rights and licenses for a major educational publisher and served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America. His catalog includes more than 800 choral works performed across the English-speaking world, and he is a writer member of ASCAP with multiple Special Awards recognizing his contributions to standard choral repertoire.
Beyond composition, Althouse has shaped music education through collaborative projects and instructional resources. He has co-written children's musicals with his wife Sally K. Albrecht, compiled respected vocal solo collections, and authored or co-authored widely used classroom books including The Complete Choral Warm-up Book, Accent on Composers, and Ready to Read Music. His collaborative work "I Hear America Singing" was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Obama's 2009 Inauguration. He currently serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.
Why we love this
Althouse respects the melodic integrity of the original carol while fundamentally reimagining its energy through contemporary rhythm and harmony. The "fa la la" section draws inspiration from the intricate vocal interplay of the Swingle Singers, giving your singers a chance to shine in passages that feel modern and showcase ensemble precision rather than relying on familiar melodies to carry the performance.
What to expect
The piece opens with the warmth of a familiar carol, then shifts into rhythmic vitality and harmonic color that feels fresh and playful. The interweaving "fa la la" sections create a sense of vocal conversation and intricate design reminiscent of jazz-influenced choral writing.
Who it's for
Directors seeking a Christmas carol that honors tradition while offering singers a contemporary challenge and genuine musical excitement. This works well for advanced high school or college choirs comfortable with rhythmic complexity and independent voice parts in a cappella settings.
How to get the most out of it
- Separate the "fa la la" sections from the opening phrases in rehearsal. Treat them as distinct musical ideas that require different rhythmic clarity and diction focus than the carol's opening language.
- Pay special attention to voice independence in the contemporary harmonies. These voicings demand accurate individual lines; blend comes after each part is secure.
- Shape the transition from the traditional opening into the energetic "fa la la" sections with intentional dynamic contrast to maximize the impact of Althouse's reimagined arrangement.
How to use it
Program this as a standout moment in a winter concert or choral festival; it offers genuine contrast to traditional carol arrangements and gives audiences something that feels neither heavy-handed holiday nostalgia nor entirely detached from the season. Its contest-friendly energy also makes it ideal for festival competitions where contemporary choral writing is valued.
Skills your students will build
- Reading independent voice lines in contemporary harmonic contexts
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in syncopated passages without accompaniment
- Executing clear diction and articulation in rapid "fa la la" sections
- Balancing melodic presentation with ensemble integration in mixed voicing