Madrigal Madness Cover Image

Madrigal Madness: SAB, <I>a cappella</I> Choral Octavo

$2.05 USD
$2.05 USD
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Madrigal Madness Cover Image
Madrigal Madness: SAB, a cappella Choral Octavo

Madrigal Madness: SAB, a cappella Choral Octavo

Arr. Jay Althouse

Item: 00-21126
$2.05
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Description
The title says it all: a tribute to the hard working spouse of Mr. C. "Without a woman to help him, how would Santa be on time?" From tuning up the sled to getting the reindeer fed, "it's time to sing the praises of the woman behind the scene." The bluesy SoundTrax makes it a great December choice for groups of all ages.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081200477
SKU: 00-21126

More about this title

About the Arranger: Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse holds degrees in Music Education and Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was later honored with the Distinguished Alumni award. His eight-year tenure in rights and licensing at a major educational publisher gave him deep insight into what choirs actually need, and he served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America during that period.

With over 800 choral compositions in print, Althouse has built a catalog performed across the English-speaking world. He holds ASCAP membership and is a regular recipient of the ASCAP Special Award for his standard music compositions. Beyond composing, he has co-written children's musicals with Sally K. Albrecht, compiled vocal solo collections, and authored classroom resources including The Complete Choral Warm-up Book, Accent on Composers, and Ready to Read Music. 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 serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America and has contributed to its quarterly publication.

Why we love this

Althouse brings comedic storytelling and genuine warmth to this holiday tribute without turning it into a novelty act that feels cheap or juvenile. The bluesy SoundTrax elevates the arrangement beyond what you'd expect from a fun piece, giving SAB choirs something musically substantive to sink their teeth into while they're laughing. It's the rare December selection that works equally well for community choirs, school groups, and mixed ensembles at any season.

What to expect

Playful and affectionate, with a blues-tinged harmonic palette that keeps things grounded and sophisticated. The arrangement honors the madrigal tradition through its storytelling impulse while the bluesy elements create something distinctly contemporary and warm.

Who it's for

SAB choirs looking for a December concert piece that entertains without insulting the audience's intelligence. Groups of all ages and experience levels can perform this successfully, from high school and community choirs to adult ensembles seeking material beyond the standard holiday canon.

How to get the most out of it

  • Let the bluesy character shine through the tuning process. These harmonies ask for slightly warmer, rounder vowels than your typical pop arrangement, and that warmth is what makes the humor land.
  • Balance the storytelling impulse with musical precision. The novelty elements work only when the parts are secure and intonation is clean; sloppiness reads as amateurish rather than charming.
  • Use the SoundTrax strategically in rehearsal to anchor the harmonic language early, then pull it back as the group gains confidence so the a cappella texture feels intentional and strong.

How to use it

Program this as a palate cleanser in a December concert alongside more traditional or classical holiday fare. It also works beautifully as a mid-program moment in winter fundraising galas or community performances where you want to signal that your choir has range and personality.

Skills your students will build

  • Intonation in close SAB harmony
  • Bluesy vocal inflection and phrasing
  • A cappella blend and balance
  • Character and storytelling in ensemble singing
  • Madrigal-style text expression and articulation

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