Like the Beat of a Drum: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Althouse crafts choral writing that feels genuinely contemporary without abandoning accessibility or singability. The pulsing rhythmic engine of this piece, anchored by optional drum circle parts, gives you a performance tool that engages both singers and audience alike, making it equally effective in concert or assembly settings. The text delivers a motivational message with enough subtlety that it lands without preaching.

The piece throbs with forward momentum, driven by interlocking rhythms that feel almost hypnotic in their consistency. There's something both introspective and anthemic about it; the text invites reflection while the music propels you forward, creating a sense of quiet determination beneath the surface energy.

Directors working with developing choirs or mixed-age ensembles will find the 2-part voicing manageable for less experienced singers without sacrificing musical substance. It suits schools looking for contemporary material with a positive message and natural appeal to younger or emerging singers who respond well to rhythmic energy and accessible ranges.

• Establish the pulse clearly in early rehearsals by having singers tap or clap the primary rhythmic motif before introducing it in their parts
• If you include the drum circle, introduce those players as equal partners in the ensemble rather than accompaniment; their interlocking patterns are essential to the piece's forward momentum
• Layer the two parts gradually during rehearsal, starting with unison or octave singing before splitting voices, so singers internalize the harmonic framework
• Maintain consistent articulation across all rhythmic figures to preserve the pulsing character; looseness here will diffuse the piece's impact

Program this as a catalyst piece in a concert that addresses themes of personal conviction or social consciousness; it pairs well with both traditional and contemporary repertoire. Its rhythmic vitality also makes it effective as a set-opener when you want to energize an audience and establish a modern aesthetic early in the program.

• Reading and sustaining pulsing rhythmic patterns across phrase lengths
• Balancing two independent melodic lines without losing rhythmic cohesion
• Coordinating with non-traditional ensemble members (drum circle) to maintain ensemble unity
• Interpreting contemporary choral writing that prioritizes rhythmic clarity and forward motion