Follow That Star: SATB a cappella Choral Octavo

Name: Follow That Star: SATB a cappella Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-31094
Price: 2.05 USD
Availability: InStock

Words and music by Brian Lewis

Item: 00-31094

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This original a cappella Christmas spiritual begins with a vibrant bass line, and when the other voices join above, the piece truly shines. A contrasting middle section is based upon the familiar "We Three Kings."

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081338668

SKU: 00-31094

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Lewis

Brian Lewis studied composition at Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory in Berea, Ohio, then earned his Master of Music in Conducting and teaching certification from Western Michigan University. After several years teaching in Michigan public schools, he pursued graduate work at USC's Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television program, bringing film scoring techniques into his choral compositions. His work has been performed by school and university ensembles across the country, including a commissioned piece at Portage Northern High School where he served as composer in residence.

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Why we love this

Lewis builds this carol around a distinctive bass foundation that immediately sets it apart from standard Christmas fare. The integration of 'We Three Kings' in the middle section feels organic rather than forced, giving your singers a moment of harmonic familiarity while staying rooted in fresh material. For a cappella groups seeking holiday repertoire with real textural variety and musical substance, this delivers.

What to expect

The piece captures the energy of a traditional spiritual while maintaining modern choral sophistication. Opening with that anchoring bass line creates warmth and momentum that carries through even before the full choir enters; the shift to 'We Three Kings' territory invites reflection without losing the celebratory character of the opening.

Who it's for

SATB choirs with solid intonation skills and comfort singing a cappella will find this accessible yet satisfying. Holiday concerts seeking a spiritual with originality and a touch of familiarity benefit from its eight-page length and rewarding vocal writing.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the bass line's rhythmic foundation before layering upper voices; a confident bass section sets the tone for the entire piece.
Balance the vibrant opening section so the bass remains clearly audible even as upper voices bloom above it.
Shape the transition into the 'We Three Kings' section deliberately, allowing a slight space to signal the textural and harmonic shift.
Ensure all four voices lock vowel shapes during the a cappella passages where blend relies entirely on tuning and resonance.

How to use it

Position this in the second half of a holiday concert where you can shift from more classical or traditional selections into spirituals and original contemporary carols. Its eight pages fit efficiently into a concert flow, and the a cappella format offers a welcome textural contrast to accompanied pieces surrounding it.

Skills your students will build

Maintaining independent vocal lines in a cappella settings
Blending and tuning without instrumental support
Recognizing and performing familiar melodic material ('We Three Kings') within new harmonic contexts
Building musical architecture around a bass-driven foundation