I Can See the River Jordan Cover Image

I Can See the River Jordan: SSA Choral Octavo

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I Can See the River Jordan Cover Image
I Can See the River Jordan: SSA Choral Octavo

I Can See the River Jordan: SSA Choral Octavo

Words and music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-45600
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Description
This sturdy original is composed in the style of a traditional spiritual. A symbolic text leads to crossing metaphoric River Jordan as the music recalls songs from early America. Opens with brief solos, builds to a hand clapping, almost a cappella bridge, and concludes only after full choral harmonies fade and voices unite on a single pitch.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
UPC: 038081513393
SKU: 00-45600

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse holds degrees in Music Education and Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus. His career spans both the publishing industry, where he worked for eight years as a rights and licenses administrator and served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America, and composition, where he has established himself as a prolific voice in American choral music.

With over 800 choral works in print across all levels, Althouse's music is performed regularly throughout the English-speaking world. A writer member of ASCAP and frequent recipient of the ASCAP Special Award, he has collaborated with his wife Sally K. Albrecht on children's musicals and compiled influential vocal collections. His published resources for music teachers include The Complete Choral Warm-up Book, Accent on Composers, and several classroom materials. Althouse served on the board of the North Carolina Master Chorale and currently advises the National Folk Art Society of America.

Why we love this

Althouse crafts this spiritual with genuine structural sophistication: the piece moves strategically from intimate solos through a rhythmic bridge that invites hand clapping and near a cappella singing, then resolves into full harmony that gradually consolidates into unison. This arc gives singers real shape to perform and audiences a clear emotional journey without relying on heavy accompaniment or complex vocal writing.

What to expect

The music evokes the resilience and faith of early American spiritual traditions without pastiche. Opening with reflective solo passages, it builds toward communal energy (the hand clapping bridge creates an almost congregational moment), then resolves into a profound simplicity as all voices merge onto a single sustained pitch. There is both invitation and affirmation throughout.

Who it's for

SSA choirs seeking repertoire that honors the spiritual tradition while offering modern compositional clarity. This piece works equally well for festival and contest contexts, community choirs building confidence with accessible ranges, and advanced groups exploring the sacred genre.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the opening solos carefully so they feel like genuine voices sharing experience rather than featured performers stepping apart from the ensemble. The intimacy here sets the piece's spiritual tone.
  • Shape the hand clapping bridge with rhythmic precision but authentic energy. This moment is where the piece shifts from structured singing to communal participation, so let the ensemble feel the transition.
  • Bring the final unison passage into focus gradually. As harmonies fade and voices unite on a single pitch, resist the urge to rush; let the convergence feel inevitable rather than hurried.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece for a concert exploring American choral traditions, pairing it with other spirituals or folk-based works. Its flexibility makes it suitable for both sacred and secular venues, and the accessible vocal ranges mean it can appear on programs with lighter material without seeming out of place. The contest designation also makes it a solid choice for festival season programming.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing in SSA voicing with secure part independence during fuller passages
  • Balancing solo and ensemble moments while maintaining consistent intonation
  • Rhythmic precision in hand clapping and speech rhythms layered with singing
  • Dynamic control and breath management in extended phrases that consolidate into unison
  • Interpretation of spiritual and folk idioms with authenticity and restraint

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