On a December Night Cover Image

On a December Night: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

$27.99 USD
$27.99 USD
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On a December Night Cover Image
On a December Night: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

On a December Night: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

Words and music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-A-00015736
$27.99
Digital Download

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-A-00015736

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse studied Music Education and Music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was later honored with the Distinguished Alumni award. His career spans both the publishing industry (where he spent eight years managing rights and licenses and served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America) and composition; he has created more than 800 choral works performed extensively across English-speaking countries. As an ASCAP writer member and regular recipient of the ASCAP Special Award, Althouse has established himself as a prolific voice in choral music.

Beyond composition, Althouse has shaped choral pedagogy through co-authored books including The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers, as well as classroom resources like Ready to Read Music and One-Page Composer Bios. He and his wife Sally K. Albrecht have collaborated on children's musicals and vocal collections; their choral work I Hear America Singing was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Obama's inauguration in 2009. Althouse resides in North Carolina and serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.

Why we love this

Althouse understands what makes a holiday piece work in rehearsal and in performance. On a December Night balances accessibility with genuine musical interest, letting singers focus on blend and interpretation rather than wrestling with complexity. The recorded accompaniment frees your hands to conduct expressively while your choir locks into the harmonic and rhythmic framework.

What to expect

On a December Night evokes quiet contemplation beneath winter skies. The harmonic language is rich without being dense, and the melodic contour invites singers to shape phrases with intention and warmth.

Who it's for

This piece serves intermediate to advanced choirs looking for a sophisticated yet singable Christmas selection. It suits ensembles of mixed voices and works equally well in concert, festival, or worship settings where a thoughtful, non-secular approach to the season is welcome.

How to get the most out of it

  • Let the accompaniment track anchor your tempos during early rehearsals, then gradually encourage singers to own the phrasing and shape the musical line independently.
  • Pay close attention to vowel consistency within each section to achieve the warm, unified sound this piece deserves.
  • Balance the recorded accompaniment level so it supports without overwhelming the choir's voice during concert performance.
  • Explore the text's emotional arc; this is reflective holiday music, not celebratory, so invest in dynamic control and meaningful breath placement.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece of a winter concert, perhaps paired with a more energetic seasonal work to create dynamic contrast. It also works beautifully in a set of reflective pieces that move away from traditional carols, giving your audience a chance to experience the season through a different emotional lens.

Skills your students will build

  • Sustaining legit tone quality across longer phrases
  • Blending vowels within and across voice parts
  • Interpreting and shaping dynamics within a supported harmonic framework
  • Singing with independence while responding to instrumental accompaniment

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