On a December Night Cover Image

On a December Night: 2-Part Choral Octavo

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On a December Night Cover Image
On a December Night: 2-Part Choral Octavo

On a December Night: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Words and music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-45704
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Description
This sparkling contemporary carol in 5/4 time is a fresh addition to any winter program! Features an evocative text that speaks to special sights, sounds, and feelings of the holidays. Choirs will find the harmonies both approachable and satisfying.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, On a December Night: 2-Part 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: 038081514437
SKU: 00-45704

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 was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus. Early in his career, he spent eight years managing rights and licenses for a major educational music publisher, serving on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America during that tenure.

As a composer, Althouse has created more than 800 choral works performed across the English-speaking world. His catalog spans choirs at every level, and his compositions have earned him regular ASCAP Special Awards. Beyond composition, he has co-authored children's musicals with Sally K. Albrecht, compiled vocal solo collections, and written widely used classroom resources including The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers. He co-wrote I Hear America Singing, performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Obama's inauguration in 2009. Active in his community, Althouse has served on the board of the North Carolina Master Chorale and currently advises the National Board of the Folk Art Society of America.

Why we love this

The 5/4 meter gives this carol an unexpected rhythmic sophistication without sacrificing singability; young choirs delight in mastering the asymmetrical pulse while the harmonies remain genuinely accessible. Althouse's gift for contemporary text that feels both specific to December and emotionally resonant makes this piece easy to sing and meaningful to perform.

What to expect

Sparkling and clear, this carol captures the crystalline quality of a winter night with touches of wonder. The 5/4 meter lends gentle forward motion while the harmonies shimmer with both warmth and contemporary sensibility.

Who it's for

This octavo suits middle school and high school choirs, particularly those comfortable with straightforward two-part voicing and ready to tackle mixed meter. It works equally well for community and church choirs seeking contemporary holiday repertoire with substance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the 5/4 pulse early in rehearsal by tapping or conducting the pattern; many singers will want to default to 4/4, so consistent reinforcement prevents the rhythm from collapsing under performance nerves.
  • Balance the text carefully so the evocative images land without oversinging; this piece works best when delivered with clarity and restraint rather than theatrical intensity.
  • If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse with it regularly so singers internalize the harmonic context and feel supported by the rhythmic framework.

How to use it

Pair this with more traditional carols to showcase the breadth of winter repertoire, or open a holiday concert with it to immediately signal that the program will surprise audiences. Its contemporary voice makes it an ideal choice for mixed-age concert programs where you want to honor tradition while keeping the season fresh.

Skills your students will build

  • reading and performing in 5/4 time
  • maintaining steady pulse in asymmetrical meter
  • singing two-part harmony with distinct voice independence
  • expressive text interpretation in contemporary choral writing

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