Follow That Star: SATB Choral Octavo

Althouse writes modal harmony that sounds richer and more sophisticated than it actually is to sing. Your singers will achieve a genuinely stately sound without wrestling through dense voicings, which means more rehearsal time spent on interpretation and expression rather than mechanics. The optional SoundPax instrumentation gives you flexibility to perform it fully accompanied or to keep it intimate depending on your concert space and resources.

Open and processional, with an unhurried sense of reverence. The modal harmonies evoke something timeless without sounding archaic, and the spare texture creates space for reflection rather than spectacle. There is warmth in the simplicity.

This octavo suits choirs of mixed experience. The accessible vocal writing and straightforward harmonic language make it attainable for developing ensembles, while the modal color and liturgical dignity appeal to more experienced groups seeking repertoire with substance. It works equally well in school and worship settings.

• Balance the open intervals carefully so they register as intentional stillness rather than sparseness. Lighter dynamics in outer voices will help the modal sonorities shine.
• The recorded accompaniment works best at a deliberate, processional tempo. Resist the urge to rush; let the space between phrases breathe.
• Use the instrumental parts to reinforce pitch centers if your choir needs support, but pull them back during key moments to let the voices carry the harmonic weight alone.

Use this as a concert opener to establish a ceremonial tone and settle your audience immediately. Its liturgical character makes it an excellent choice for holiday worship services or interfaith seasonal programs where you want music that feels sacred without requiring denominational specificity. The twelve pages make it substantial enough to anchor a program segment without overshadowing the pieces that follow.

• Reading and sustaining open intervals and modal progressions
• Balancing part independence in sparser textures
• Approaching processional music with appropriate pacing and reverence
• Blending treble and lower voices in open harmony