Hurricane Go Away: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Althouse brings a director's practical sense to every secular piece he writes. Hurricane Go Away combines accessible melody with genuine theatrical potential, making it engaging for singers of varying experience while remaining genuinely fun to perform. The inclusion of movement and staging elements means your choir gets a complete performance package rather than just a vocal score.

This piece carries a contemporary, relatable energy while maintaining melodic clarity. The secular subject matter and built-in staging elements create a performance experience that feels more like entertainment than a formal concert selection, without sacrificing musical integrity.

Choirs at the intermediate level and above will find this piece immediately rewarding. It works equally well for community choirs seeking accessible, memorable repertoire and school choirs looking for something that engages audiences beyond traditional concert fare.

• Reference the recorded accompaniment early and often during rehearsals, particularly when establishing the rhythmic drive of the piece. Let singers hear how their parts fit into the fuller texture.
• Block out the movement and staging in smaller sections before running the entire piece. This prevents the physical elements from overwhelming the musical fundamentals.
• Pay attention to articulation and rhythmic precision, especially in moments where the text becomes conversational or rhythmically playful. These details sell the character of the piece.

Consider programming this as a set opener or late-concert piece where its theatrical nature will energize both singers and audience. It pairs well with other contemporary secular works and serves as an excellent choice for pops concerts, family-friendly performances, or community outreach events.

• Executing choreographed movement while maintaining vocal control and phrase shape
• Balancing rhythmic precision with theatrical expression and character work
• Building confidence in contemporary secular repertoire with accessible melodies and relatable text