In Bethlehem: TBB, a cappella Choral Octavo
Words and music by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0001629
$1.85
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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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!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0001629
More about this title
About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht
Sally K. Albrecht has shaped American choral music for over three decades, first as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at Alfred Music, then as a prolific composer in her own right. An ASCAP Special Music Award recipient every year since 1987, she has over 600 choral works and 75 songbooks in print, many featuring her signature integration of movement and accessible voicings. She has conducted honor choirs at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center, bringing her energetic approach to festivals across the country.
Albrecht earned a B.A. in Music and Theater from Rollins College and went on to study at the University of Miami, where she completed an M.A. in Drama and an M.M. in Accompanying. She has taught at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College. A native of Cleveland, she now resides in North Carolina with her husband, composer and arranger Jay Althouse. In 2021, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from both her alma maters and serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.
Why we love this
This spiritual arrives as a genuine breath of fresh air in the Christmas choral repertoire, steering clear of the overworked standards while still honoring the season's spiritual heart. The walking tempo and optional percussion parts create space for singers to focus on blend and expression without the demands of complex rhythm work, making it accessible even for younger or developing ensembles. Albrecht's gift for writing vocal lines that sit well in the voice shines here, and the a cappella setting lets your choir's tone become the star.
What to expect
Warm, reverent, and grounded in the spiritual tradition, this piece unfolds like a hymn that invites singers and listeners into quiet reflection on the nativity. The walking tempo creates a steady, meditative quality that feels both contemplative and celebratory without strain or grandeur.
Who it's for
Intermediate to advanced treble-based choirs (TBB voicing) looking for a substantial yet singable Christmas selection. This works for school choirs, church choirs, and community ensembles seeking repertoire that balances musical substance with accessibility.
How to get the most out of it
- Let the walking tempo breathe. A steady, unhurried pace allows the harmonic movement to land clearly and gives singers time to shape phrases naturally without rushing.
- Consider how your singers will enter each section. Since this is a cappella, a preparatory hum or staggered entrance can help establish pitch and create textural interest before full ensemble voicing begins.
- If adding the optional percussion parts, keep them subtle and supportive. They should enhance the spiritual's folk-like quality, not overshadow the voices.
- Spend time on vowel unification across all three voice parts. The a cappella sonority depends on blend, and careful vowel shaping will sharpen your ensemble's sound.
How to use it
Pair this with more formal or dramatic Christmas anthems to create programming variety within a single concert. Its moderate length and a cappella format make it ideal for a mid-program moment of tonal contrast, or position it near the end of a Christmas set to leave audiences with a peaceful, spiritually resonant closing image.
Skills your students will build
- Singing sustained a cappella lines with ensemble blend and intonation
- Interpreting the spiritual tradition through authentic vocal styling
- Balancing three-part treble voicing with clear harmonic function
- Coordinating with optional percussion parts while maintaining vocal independence