One World: 2-Part Choral Octavo
In Harmony
Words and music by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0001347
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
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More about this title
About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

Sally K. Albrecht has shaped American choral music for over four decades as a composer, conductor, and clinician with particular expertise in choral movement and staging. A consistent recipient of the ASCAP Special Music Award since 1987, she has published more than 600 choral works and 75 larger theatrical pieces, and has conducted honor choirs at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center. Her career in music publishing spanned over thirty years as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at major educational publishers, including Alfred Music.
Albrecht holds degrees from Rollins College (B.A. in Music and Theater, 1976), the University of Miami (M.A. in Drama, 1977; M.M. in Accompanying, 1979), and has taught at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College. She is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award from both Rollins College and the University of Miami Frost School of Music, and served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.
Why we love this
The combination of accessible 2-part writing with genuinely compelling text creates immediate momentum in rehearsal. Albrecht and Althouse craft clean harmonic movement that sits comfortably on young voices while maintaining the dramatic intensity needed to move an audience, making this a rare piece that works equally well in development and performance.
What to expect
Propulsive and unifying. The piece builds conviction through rhythmic momentum and harmonic clarity, with moments of lyrical softness that allow the text's message of hope to resonate. There is strength in simplicity here; the directness of the writing amplifies rather than diminishes the emotional force.
Who it's for
Middle school and high school choirs looking for meaningful repertoire that addresses contemporary themes without sacrificing musicality. Directors seeking pieces suitable for both classroom rehearsal and concert/festival performance will find the accessible voicing and compelling message especially valuable.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the word painting on "peace and harmony." These moments deserve a shift in vocal color and dynamics to underscore the emotional message.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock ensemble precision during the more rhythmically complex sections, then gradually reduce dependence on it as confidence builds.
- Incorporate the suggested movement and staging to reinforce the piece's themes of unity. Even simple, synchronized gestures elevate the emotional impact significantly.
- Balance the two parts so neither dominates. The strength of this piece comes from the blend and interplay between the lines, not from either one standing alone.
How to use it
Place this as a centerpiece or closing statement on a concert focused on themes of community, diversity, or social connection. Its dramatic arc and accessible length make it ideal for festival entries or as a finale that leaves audiences with an uplifting, unified impression.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in 2-part harmony with clear voice independence
- Text expression and word painting
- Coordinating vocal performance with body movement and staging
- Balancing ensemble blend across two distinct lines
- Building and sustaining dynamic intensity over longer phrases