Joy: A Medley of Carols: 2-Part/SSA Choral Octavo
Arr. Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0004164
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Description
This dynamic holiday medley opens with a soulful solo on "Go, Tell It on the Mountain," then launches into driving, rhythmic renditions of "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," and "O Come All Ye Faithful." But the pièce de résistance is the clever and innovative adaptation of "Joy to the World" used to finish the 4-minute medley. Just one example: a brief "Swingle" style section. It's inventive, it's fresh, and it's perfect for your December concerts. Available in editions for groups of all ages. Superb SoundTrax CD or add live instruments.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0004164
More about this title
About the Arranger: Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse studied music education and music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he later received the Distinguished Alumni award. His career spans both publishing and composition; he spent eight years managing rights and licenses for a major educational music publisher and served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America. As a composer, he has over 800 choral works in print performed across the English-speaking world and holds regular ASCAP Special Awards for his compositions.
Beyond choral writing, Althouse has collaborated with his wife Sally K. Albrecht on children's musicals and co-authored widely-used resources including The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers. He compiled and arranged numerous vocal solo collections and created reproducible classroom materials on music literacy and composer study. His choral work I Hear America Singing, co-written with Albrecht, was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Obama's 2009 Inauguration. He has served on boards including the North Carolina Master Chorale and the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.
Why we love this
Althouse transforms familiar carols into something unexpectedly current without losing their essential character. The Swingle Singers homage in the "Joy to the World" finale shows genuine compositional craft; it's inventive enough to delight singers and audiences alike, yet remains singable by groups who haven't rehearsed avant-garde techniques.
What to expect
The medley opens with reflective warmth before building into something bright and almost playful. The Swingle-style passage introduces sophisticated rhythmic humor; the piece feels modern and celebratory without abandoning the reverence these carols deserve.
Who it's for
This medley works for treble choirs, mixed choirs with flexible voicing, and young singers building confidence with SSA writing. The familiar melodies and varied textures keep performers engaged while the clever arranging rewards more experienced ensembles.
How to get the most out of it
- Bring out the contrast between the intimate opening solo on "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" and the driving energy that follows. The shift in dynamic and rhythmic intensity should feel earned, not abrupt.
- Lock the harmonic blend during the Swingle-style section. This brief moment of rhythmic complexity will shine if your parts move together as one unit.
- Work the recorded accompaniment if available. The four-minute span moves quickly; using SoundTrax or live instruments will help singers track the medley's momentum and manage transitions cleanly.
How to use it
Program this as the centerpiece of a December concert or as a closing carol medley that showcases arranging artistry alongside tradition. Its four-minute length works perfectly as a full segment by itself, or pair it with a more straightforward carol or spiritual to create programming variety.
Skills your students will build
- Interpreting varied harmonic textures within medley form
- Maintaining ensemble cohesion through rhythmic complexity (Swingle-style section)
- Dynamic contrast and emotional pacing across multiple familiar melodies
- Adapting tone and attack to shifting musical styles within one piece