Follow That Star: SATB Choral Octavo

Althouse's gift for accessible sophistication shines here. The modal harmonies and open intervals sound far more arresting than they sing, allowing your choir to achieve an impressive processional sound without the technical complexity of dense chromatic writing. The optional light instrumentation amplifies the stately effect without overshadowing the voices.

Glorious and processional, with the luminous quality of modal harmony creating an almost medieval or timeless atmosphere. The open intervals and spacious writing evoke ceremony and reverence, wrapping listeners in the seasonal spirit without sentimentality.

Intermediate to advanced SATB choirs seeking a festival-worthy opening for holiday concerts or worship services. The piece works equally well for volunteer church choirs and school groups with solid vocal foundations.

• Bring out the modal sound by thinking of the piece in its harmonic color rather than driving toward functional chord progressions. Let the open intervals breathe.
• If using the optional instrumental parts, keep them transparent. The choir should remain the primary focus, with the SoundPax instrumentation supporting rather than doubling every line.
• Shape the processional with steady, unhurried tempos that allow the modal harmonies to settle and resonate. This is about stately grandeur, not momentum.

Use this as your concert opener to establish a sophisticated, ceremonial tone immediately. Its processional character makes it ideal for entrance moments at holiday services, or program it early in a mixed concert to signal that your choir has something musically substantial to offer.

• Singing in modal harmonic contexts
• Balancing open intervals for resonance and blend
• Building interpretive maturity in processional styles
• Coordinating with instrumental accompaniment (if parts are added)