Hurricane Go Away: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Music by Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0004073
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Here's an island style piecee which humorously encourages an impending hurricane to "go away." It's simple, easy, and fun for 2-part choral groups of all ages.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0004073
More about this title
About the Composer: Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse studied music education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning both a B.S. and M.Ed. while later receiving the university's Distinguished Alumni award. His career spans administrative work in educational music publishing, service on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America, and prolific composition; he has written over 800 choral works performed widely across English-speaking countries.
As a writer member of ASCAP, Althouse has been a regular recipient of the ASCAP Special Award for his compositions. He has co-created children's musicals with his wife Sally K. Albrecht, compiled and arranged vocal solo collections, and authored instructional resources including The Complete Choral Warm-up Book, Accent on Composers, and Ready to Read Music. He has also served on the board of the North Carolina Master Chorale and currently sits on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.
Why we love this
The piece's humor is genuine and age-appropriate, grounded in a real weather scenario that students immediately understand. The island style melody and groove give singers something genuinely fun to perform rather than didactic, while the 2-part writing remains simple enough that younger or newer ensembles can focus on intonation and ensemble blend rather than complex voice leading.
What to expect
Breezy and playful, with an island sensibility that transports the choir somewhere sunny despite whatever weather awaits outside. The tone is light and conspiratorial, as if the singers are collectively coaxing nature to cooperate, and the simplicity of the music lets that cheerfulness shine through without overshadowing the text.
Who it's for
This piece works across a wide age range, from elementary treble choirs to community and adult groups seeking accessible repertoire with personality. The humor and straightforward musical writing make it equally at home in a concert setting or as a morale-builder during rehearsal.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the rhythmic groove. The island style only works if the singers feel the lilt and maintain consistent forward motion through the phrases.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in the harmonic foundation while building ensemble confidence.
- Find the humor in the text without oversinging it. Lightness and clarity serve the comedy better than dramatic interpretation.
- If adding movement or staging, keep gestures simple and synchronized. The piece's fun derives partly from directness and ensemble unity.
How to use it
Program this as a breather in a concert, particularly one that includes more serious repertoire. It's also ideal for spring performances, school assemblies, or any context where audiences appreciate humor and accessibility alongside musicality. The built-in movement possibilities make it work well as a standalone moment or as part of a thematic concert block.
Skills your students will build
- Two-part blend and balance in a rhythmic context
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in an unfamiliar style (island/reggae influenced rhythm)
- Connecting text to musical character and communication
- Ensemble cohesion while adding expressive movement