Home: SSA Choral Octavo

Name: Home: SSA Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-19293
Price: 1.40 USD
Availability: InStock

Music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-19293

$1.40

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Captivating in its simplicity, this folk-like melody is arranged simply in a classic, folk song style by Jay Althouse. The piano accompaniment is simple, yet supportive of the singers. What a sentiment for spring concerts: "Here is the place that I call home. Here my heart will ever stay." But yet, "I'll return...I'll return." A breathtakingly beautiful choral work for mixed and treble groups. Perfect for graduation, too.

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081179384

SKU: 00-19293

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse holds degrees in Music Education and Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni recipient. His career spans both publishing and composition; he spent eight years in rights and licensing administration for an educational music publisher and served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America.

With over 800 choral compositions in print, Althouse's work reaches choirs across the English-speaking world. He is a writer member of ASCAP and a regular recipient of the ASCAP Special Award. Beyond his prolific output as a composer, he has co-authored children's musicals with Sally K. Albrecht, compiled vocal solo collections, and written instructional resources for music classrooms. His advocacy extends to the folk music community, where he serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America and contributes to its publications.

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Why we love this

Althouse strips away unnecessary complexity here, letting a genuinely moving melody and simple harmonic language carry the emotional weight. The SSA voicing opens this piece to broader programming possibilities, whether you're working with a changing ensemble or planning a mixed concert with flexible casting. The text lands with real poignancy at graduation or spring concert, and the uncomplicated piano part means your singers stay in focus throughout.

What to expect

The piece has the quiet, reflective quality of a folk hymn. Its simplicity is deliberate and touching, evoking the bittersweet experience of home, belonging, and the tension between staying and returning. The melody unfolds with an unhurried dignity that lets the words settle deeply.

Who it's for

Directors seeking repertoire with a folk sensibility for SSA choirs will find this accessible yet emotionally substantial. The straightforward vocal writing and supportive accompaniment make it suitable for developing ensembles while the poetic text and melodic beauty keep it rewarding for more experienced singers.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the melody with gentle dynamic shaping rather than dramatic swells; the folk aesthetic depends on restraint and clarity.
Balance the two statements of 'I'll return, I'll return' to emphasize their emotional significance without oversinging.
Let the piano establish the hymn-like character early; a solid, unhurried accompaniment grounds the singers' interpretation.
Pay attention to vowel consistency across the SSA voicing, especially on sustained notes where blend becomes visible.

How to use it

Program this for spring concerts, graduation ceremonies, or any concert theme centered on place, memory, or transitions. The modest accompaniment and direct emotional appeal work well in recital settings where intimate connection with the audience matters. It also pairs naturally with other folk arrangements or contemporary sacred pieces.