Oh, Sinner!: SAB Choral Octavo

Althouse writes with the swagger of a director who knows what singers can do and what audiences want to hear. The groove sits naturally for SAB voicing while the bluesy melody gives your soloists real character to sink their teeth into. The descending harmonic motion at the end creates that satisfying "amen" moment that makes people remember the piece.

Opening with mystery and intrigue, the piece gradually unfolds its funk and attitude. Bluesy modal colors give it an intimate, soulful quality that feels both sacred and contemporary, as if a small group of singers are drawing listeners closer with a secret. The descending harmonic motion at the close slides downward like a benediction, leaving everyone satisfied.

Directors working with mixed three-part choirs who want to program something with soul, style, and modern energy. Your singers need comfortable ranges and some rhythmic confidence, but don't require advanced reading skills. This works especially well if you have a few singers who thrive in a stylized, groove-oriented setting.

• Establish the rhythm section lock first. The funky groove depends on the piano and any added rhythm instruments (bass, drums) sitting tight together; rehearse them separately before combining with voices.
• Have your featured soloists prepared to commit stylistically. This music rewards singers who bring attitude and flexibility in phrasing, especially during the bluesy passages.
• Work the vocal slides carefully in the descending inversions at the ending. Singers should hear them as a unit moving together, not individual lines sliding at different times.
• If adding the optional instrumental parts (saxophone, trumpet, trombone), let them rehearse their rhythmic figures with the piano before the full choir joins.

Pair this with more traditional hymn-based repertoire on a service or concert to show the range of your choir's musicality. The funk and blues elements make it effective as a closer or encore, where the audience is already engaged and ready for something with attitude. Consider programming it in spring or fall concerts where contemporary sacred music feels fresher and less out of place.

• Reading and performing syncopated rhythms in SAB texture
• Interpreting bluesy modal melody with stylistic phrasing and flexibility
• Executing smooth voice leading through harmonic inversions
• Blending solo lines within the ensemble while maintaining individual character
• Responding to groove-based conducting and rhythmic precision