Hurricane Go Away: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Althouse nails the balance between humor and musical accessibility that makes young singers actually want to sing a piece. The island style setting and playful lyrics create natural energy in the room without requiring students to navigate complex harmonies or dramatic emotional territory.

Imagine a steel drum band meets a comedy show. The piece bounces with Caribbean flavor and good-natured charm, inviting singers and audiences alike to smile at the absurdity of politely requesting that a hurricane relocate. It's light, playful, and designed to land with warmth rather than technical showiness.

This octavo works beautifully for middle and high school choirs, adult community singers, and children's choirs looking for repertoire that entertains while building fundamental ensemble skills. It's equally at home in a concert setting or a fun showcase where humor and accessibility matter as much as musicianship.

• Lean into the rhythmic syncopation to capture that island groove; it's easy to rush this style, so lock the tempo early and keep it steady throughout rehearsal.
• Encourage physical engagement from your singers. The piece includes movement and staging options, so blocking even simple gestures will boost confidence and add personality to the performance.
• Use the recorded accompaniment during early rehearsals to establish the style and tempo. Hearing the full island instrumentation helps singers lock in the groove faster than counting alone.

Program this as a palate cleanser between heavier works or as the closer for a concert that celebrates repertoire across multiple styles and moods. It also works wonderfully as an opener when you want to signal to your audience that the evening includes both musicality and fun.

• Singing syncopated rhythms in 2-part texture
• Responding to choreography while maintaining vocal control
• Performing in a non-traditional style (island/Caribbean idiom)
• Building ensemble blend in a light, conversational melodic setting