House of Music
Words and music by Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0007138
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Taking a fresh approach to the songs-about-music genre, this innovative a cappella original invites us to "build a house of music and make that house a home." Rhythmic syncopations, layered vocals, and dramatic dynamics form the foundation of this creative construction. Parts for cowbell, shaker, and woodblock sound like a carpenter's tools and add to the framework. A nice change of pace!
The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
- Assignment, recording, and assessment tools within MakeMusic Cloud
- Part-predominant and accompaniment tracks
- Printable sheet music (with a standard MakeMusic Cloud subscription)
- Correlated rehearsal guides and performance notes
- Rights to perform in a live or virtual setting
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Additional Details
Series:
PerformancePlus+
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007138
More about this title
About the Composer: Andy Beck
Andy Beck oversees choral publications at Alfred Music and has composed and arranged more than 450 choral works now performed by singers across the globe. His catalog spans vocal resources, children's musicals, and widely adopted sight-singing resources including Sing at First Sight, Foundations in Choral Sight Singing, and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique. His work as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator takes him throughout the United States and beyond, and he has served as commissioned composer and guest conductor for all-state and honor choirs.
Beck holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Ithaca College and a Master's degree in Music Education from Northwest Missouri State University. A trained tenor, he remains active as a performer in musical theatre and chamber settings, and has contributed vocals to Alfred Music recordings since 1992. His dual commitment to composition and music education shapes every piece he writes.
Why we love this
The song-about-music concept could easily drift into sentiment, but Beck's syncopated rhythms, unexpected dynamic shifts, and clever use of unpitched percussion anchor the piece in genuine musicality rather than nostalgia. The rhythmic complexity and layered voicing demand real engagement from your singers, rewarding rehearsal investment with a performance that feels both polished and alive.
What to expect
Purposeful and creative, like watching something being built from the ground up. The piece balances structural clarity with rhythmic sparkle, layering voices in ways that feel architectural; there's warmth in the message without sentimentality, and real musical craftsmanship behind every phrase.
Who it's for
Two-part choirs looking for contemporary, rhythmically engaging repertoire that challenges singers without requiring extensive ranges. This works equally well for middle school choirs ready to explore syncopation and middle school groups seeking concert and festival material with substance.
How to get the most out of it
- Map the syncopations carefully in early rehearsals. Have singers clap the rhythm independently before adding melody, then gradually layer parts together to lock the pocket.
- Balance the unpitched percussion strategically. The cowbell, shaker, and woodblock should cut through the vocal texture without overwhelming it; think of them as architectural accents rather than a full rhythm section.
- Lean into the dynamic contrasts. The piece's energy comes from the extremes, so commit fully to soft passages and let fuller sections ring.
- Use the part-predominant tracks to solidify each line individually during early rehearsals, then switch to the accompaniment tracks for blend work.
How to use it
Pair this with contrasting pieces to highlight its modern energy and rhythmic sophistication. It works well as a concert closer or festival selection where you want to showcase your choir's ability to handle contemporary idioms with confidence. The thematic content also makes it a natural fit for celebrations of music education or arts awareness events.
Skills your students will build
- Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
- Layered ensemble awareness and blend
- Dynamic control and contrast
- Two-part vocal independence
- Rhythmic independence with unpitched percussion accompaniment