Movin' in the Right Direction!: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0005826
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A straight-ahead rockin' tune about positive choices for young people! An uplifting message, accessible two-part choral writing, and groovin' syncopated rhythms make it both fun and memorable. Check out the kid-friendly choreography on the Movin' DVD.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0005826
More about this title
About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht
Sally K. Albrecht has shaped choral music education for over three decades, first as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at Alfred Music and beyond, and as a sought-after conductor for honor choirs at major venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center. Her catalog exceeds 600 choral publications alongside 75 larger works for stage and concert, work recognized annually since 1987 by the ASCAP Special Music Award. She earned her B.A. from Rollins College in Music and Theater (1976), then continued at the University of Miami, completing both an M.A. in Drama and an M.M. in Accompanying. In 2021, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from both institutions.
Albrecht is especially known for integrating movement into choral performance, a signature that threads through her compositional voice. She has taught at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College, and currently resides in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where she collaborates with her husband, composer and arranger Jay Althouse. A former Chair of the Board of Trustees for Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, she was honored with their Pillar of Leadership award.
Why we love this
Albrecht and Althouse have crafted a piece that speaks directly to your singers' lives while maintaining genuine musical integrity. The syncopated rhythms feel current and energized without sacrificing accessibility, and the two-part writing sits comfortably for developing voices while keeping everyone engaged harmonically.
What to expect
Movin' in the Right Direction! radiates confidence and forward momentum. The grooving syncopation creates a propulsive, contemporary feel that keeps singers and audiences engaged, while the straightforward message about positive life choices lands without preaching. It's the kind of piece that builds ensemble morale and reminds singers why they love performing together.
Who it's for
This piece is ideal for middle school and early high school choirs seeking contemporary material with an optimistic message that resonates with young voices. It works equally well for general concert use and festival/contest settings where accessible, energetic repertoire with clear communication makes an impact.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the syncopated rhythms early in rehearsal by isolating them separately from the melodic line; this groove is the heart of the piece, so make it secure before blending parts.
- Lean into the recorded accompaniment to establish the rock feel and pocket from day one, letting your singers hear how their parts sit within the full arrangement.
- Watch the energy trajectory through the form; build toward peak moments rather than cruising at a steady dynamic throughout.
- If you're using the choreography from the Movin' DVD, integrate movement rehearsals before the final run-throughs so singers can perform without second-guessing their physicality.
How to use it
Program this as a high-energy statement in the second half of a concert, where it can lift the room after more introspective pieces. Its youth appeal and uplifting message make it an excellent opener for festival performances or as a crowd-pleaser closing your general concert repertoire. The optional choreography also makes it a natural fit for concert-and-movement themed programming or spring celebrations.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing syncopated rhythms in a two-part texture
- Maintaining rhythmic independence from the accompaniment while singing in parts
- Singing with contemporary style and appropriate vocal production for a rock-influenced idiom
- Coordinating vocal performance with movement or choreography