Follow That Star: SSA Choral Octavo

Althouse captures the processional tradition without requiring your singers to navigate complex harmonic writing. The modal harmonies and open intervals create an elegant, timeless sound that feels substantial but remains solidly within the reach of SSA choirs. Pair it with the optional SoundPax instrumentation for a polished opening that sets the tone for your entire concert.

The piece unfolds with the quiet grandeur of a candlelit procession, its modal harmonies evoking both tradition and timelessness. Singers will feel the music moving forward with purpose, supported by gentle instrumentation that enhances without overwhelming the voices.

Directors programming holiday concerts or worship services who want an opening number that impresses without demanding extensive rehearsal time. This octavo works well for church choirs, school holiday concerts, and community chorales where SSA voicing is the standard.

• Balance the treble voices so the modal harmonies ring clearly; these open intervals need steady intonation throughout.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, allow singers to find their pitch before the processional begins, letting them walk with confidence.
• Shape the piece with the liturgical or ceremonial context in mind; a measured pace honors the music's stately character.
• Consider staging the entrance during this piece to reinforce the processional function and create visual impact for your audience.

Open your holiday concert with this processional to establish a reverent, festive mood immediately. It also serves beautifully in a worship setting as an introit or opening hymn alternative, and its modest length makes it an ideal companion to longer seasonal works on the same program.

• Singing in modal contexts with confident intonation
• Blending within SSA voicing to balance open intervals
• Phrasing and breath control in a sustained processional style
• Coordinating vocal entrance with instrumental accompaniment