In Bethlehem: SSAB, a cappella Choral Octavo
Words and music by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0001628
$1.85
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Pickup currently not available
Description
Celebrate the baby's birth in Bethlehem with this change-of-pace a cappella spiritual, set in a walking tempo with four optional percussion parts (available free at alfred.com/choralparts). Feel and hear the Christmas story come alive!
In Bethlehem: SSAB, a cappella Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0001628
More about this title
About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht
Sally K. Albrecht has shaped American choral music for over three decades as both a prolific composer and an influential voice in music education. A consistent ASCAP award recipient since 1987, she has seen more than 600 choral works and 75 musicals and songbooks published while serving as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at major educational publishers, including Alfred Music. Her reputation extends to the concert hall: she has guest conducted honor choirs at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center.
Educated at Rollins College (B.A., 1976) and the University of Miami Frost School of Music (M.A. in Drama, M.M. in Accompanying), Albrecht has taught at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College. Her collaborative partnership with composer and arranger Jay Althouse has produced much of her recent catalog. In 2021, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from both her undergraduate and graduate institutions and serves on the Board of Trustees at Rollins College.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the wonder of the nativity through rhythmic simplicity and spiritual warmth, making it an accessible yet emotionally substantive choice for mixed choirs preparing a Christmas program. The optional percussion parts add texture and cultural authenticity without requiring advanced musicians, and the walking tempo keeps the piece grounded and processional rather than sentimental.
What to expect
Warm and grounded, the walking tempo creates a contemplative procession toward the manger. The a cappella texture brings intimacy to the Bethlehem narrative, while the optional percussion parts invite a gentle rhythmic sway that roots the piece in the spiritual tradition.
Who it's for
This piece works well for treble and mixed choirs of all experience levels seeking a change-of-pace Christmas offering that celebrates the spiritual tradition while remaining singable for younger singers. It appeals to directors looking for material that balances accessibility with artistic substance.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the walking pulse early in rehearsal so singers lock into the spiritual's natural rhythm without forcing tempo. Let the steady quarter-note foundation carry the melodic lines.
- Attend to blend in the SSAB voicing by balancing the two soprano parts; they often carry the melody, so they should feel supported by the altos and baritones rather than dominating.
- If you include the optional percussion parts, rehearse them separately first, then layer them in gradually so the choir maintains its a cappella focus while growing accustomed to the added texture.
- Shape phrases through text rather than breath marks. The story of Bethlehem should feel like spoken narrative set to music, not isolated musical gestures.
How to use it
Program this between more elaborate holiday arrangements to give your singers and audience a moment of reverence and simplicity. Its a cappella nature makes it ideal for intimate concert settings or community holiday performances where the focus should remain on the story rather than orchestral color.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in three-part mixed voicing (SSAB)
- A cappella blend and intonation in a cappella textures
- Maintaining steady pulse and rhythmic precision in a walking tempo
- Phrasing spirituals with attention to text and narrative
- Coordinate with optional percussion parts while maintaining vocal focus