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Mary, Mary Had-A But One Child: SSA Choral Octavo

$1.75 USD
$1.75 USD
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Mary, Mary Had-A But One Child Cover Image
Mary, Mary Had-A But One Child: SSA Choral Octavo

Mary, Mary Had-A But One Child: SSA Choral Octavo

Words and music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-27123
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Description
The opening piano introduction sets the spiritual stage for this solid gospel-style Christmas number. Lots of "hallelujahs" make it a joyful addition to your December concerts. There's an add-on section which develops independent singing. Not hard to put together, always important this time of year. Choreography featured on "Razzamatazz!" DVD (item 00-27430).

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Mary, Mary Had-A But One Child: SSA Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081263304
SKU: 00-27123

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse holds degrees in Music Education and Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned the Distinguished Alumni award. His background includes eight years as a rights and licenses administrator for a major educational music publisher, during which he served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America. As a composer, Althouse has over 800 choral works in print across all levels, performed regularly throughout English-speaking countries. He holds membership in ASCAP and is a frequent recipient of the ASCAP Special Award.

Beyond composition, Althouse has collaborated with his wife Sally K. Albrecht on children's musicals and compiled respected vocal solo collections including Folk Songs for Solo Singers. He co-authored The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers, and wrote classroom resources such as Ready to Read Music and One-Page Composer Bios. His choral composition I Hear America Singing, co-written with Albrecht, was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Obama's 2009 Inauguration. Based in North Carolina, Althouse serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.

Why we love this

Althouse delivers the genuine warmth and accessibility that directors need in December programming. The gospel style with its driving energy and abundant hallelujahs gives singers something genuinely joyful to sing rather than retreading tired carol arrangements, and SSA voicing opens the piece to mixed ensembles at different maturity levels. The add-on section for independent part-singing transforms this from pure fun into a building block for musical growth.

What to expect

The piece radiates gospel joy from its opening piano statement through every hallelujah. You hear the spiritual foundation in the harmonic language and the infectious rhythmic drive that makes singers feel the music in their bodies, not just read notes on a page.

Who it's for

This octavo fits treble ensembles and mixed groups with some singing experience but no requirement for advanced technique. The straightforward ranges and solid harmonic structure make it accessible for community choirs, church choirs, and secondary school programs looking for festival or concert material with immediate appeal.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the gospel feel from the piano introduction; let your accompanist set the rhythmic pocket clearly so singers land confidently on those syncopated hallelujah sections.
  • Shape the add-on section deliberately by having each voice part enter with its own energy. This passage rewards careful attention to balance and independence rather than rushed execution.
  • The movement and staging options (detailed on the Razzamatazz DVD) can enhance the joyful character, but keep choreography simple enough that singers remain focused on their parts and intonation.

How to use it

Place this as a concert brightener in December programming where you want genuine energy and audience connection without lengthy rehearsal investment. It pairs naturally with other spirituals or sacred works, or can anchor a second half that celebrates joy and celebration during the holiday season.

Skills your students will build

  • Gospel and spiritual style interpretation
  • Independent part-singing within the add-on section
  • Rhythmic precision with syncopated hallelujah figures
  • Blend and balance in SSA voicing

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