One for the Altos: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Althouse knows how to write for mixed-ability choirs without sacrificing personality. This piece celebrates a voice part that deserves the spotlight, delivers genuine humor without condescension, and gives altos a chance to shine with a fun, performance-ready arrangement that your whole choir will enjoy preparing.

Warm and celebratory with a wink, this piece balances affection for the alto section with playful ribbing that lands with good humor rather than edge. The music invites singers to smile while performing, creating an infectious energy that connects immediately with audiences.

This works for any treble or mixed choir looking to add levity to a concert program while giving alto singers a genuine moment of recognition. It suits youth choirs, community ensembles, and school programs searching for 2-part repertoire with real personality.

• Balance the blend between the two parts so the altos' melody shines without the other voices disappearing; treat this as a celebration that includes everyone, not a solo turn.
• Lean into the humor during rehearsal; find the comic timing in the lyrics and let singers discover where the tongue-in-cheek moments live naturally in their phrasing.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the rhythmic pocket early, then gradually step back it so singers own the groove before performance.

Program this as a mid-concert palate cleanser or closer to lift the room after more serious repertoire, or pair it with other Althouse secular pieces for a cohesive thematic set. It works equally well at a spring pops concert, a winter holiday show seeking lighter moments, or an informal community performance where personality matters as much as polish.

• Singing in 2-part harmony with clear part independence
• Maintaining secure intonation across voice parts in a fun, energetic context
• Rhythmic precision in ensemble singing
• Interpretive phrasing and text expression to convey humor