I Have a Voice: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Althouse writes for singers at every level with genuine accessibility and warmth. This octavo combines an affirming message about individual voice and belonging with music that feels natural to sing, making it equally rewarding for middle school choirs, community singers, and advanced ensembles. The built-in recorded accompaniment and movement suggestions transform a single piece into a complete rehearsal and performance solution.

The piece radiates encouragement without saccharine sentiment. There's a natural warmth in the melody and harmony that invites singers to genuinely invest in the text about finding and sharing your voice. The music feels both familiar enough to grasp quickly and thoughtfully crafted enough to sustain multiple rehearsals.

This piece works beautifully for school choirs across middle and high school, community choruses, and all-ages choral festivals. Its straightforward accessibility and uplifting message make it ideal when you need repertoire that engages singers who are building confidence in their abilities.

• Let the recorded accompaniment establish a steady tempo during early rehearsals, then gradually reduce accompaniment volume as the choir builds confidence with the melodic line.
• Shape the dynamic arc intentionally through the piece; resist singing at full volume throughout, and use softer passages to highlight the song's message about individual voices.
• Coordinate any staging or movement cues early and separately from music rehearsal, then layer them together only after singers are comfortable with notes and rhythms.
• Emphasize clear diction on the text about singing your own song; let the words land as genuinely felt rather than merely sung.

Place this as a concert opener or closer where its message of inclusion and individual expression resonates with an audience. It pairs well in programs celebrating diversity, school assemblies, or community events. The recorded accompaniment and movement options make it particularly strong for spring pops concerts or multi-choir festivals where rehearsal time is limited.

• Singing unison and two-part harmony with secure intonation
• Text-based interpretation and intentional phrasing
• Coordinating singing with stage movement and blocking
• Building confidence as individual voices within an ensemble sound