Open the Window, Noah Cover Image

Open the Window, Noah: SSAA, <i>a cappella</i> Choral Octavo

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Open the Window, Noah Cover Image
Open the Window, Noah: SSAA, a cappella Choral Octavo

Open the Window, Noah: SSAA, a cappella Choral Octavo

(Inspired by a Traditional Spiritual)

Words and music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-47607
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Description
Inspired by the much-revered spiritual tradition, this original a cappella piece recounts the biblical story of the Great Flood. On its third attempt, Noah's dove returned with an olive branch, signaling the discovery of dry land. Flexible call-and-response solos are accompanied by a humming choir in the verses, and a jubilant refrain becomes even more thrilling when a treble trio joins at the end!

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
UPC: 038081543000
SKU: 00-47607

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 honored as a Distinguished Alumnus. His professional background includes eight years as a rights and licenses administrator for a major educational music publisher, during which he served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America. As a composer, he has over 800 choral works in print across all skill levels, performed regularly throughout the English-speaking world.

Althouse is a writer member of ASCAP and a consistent recipient of the ASCAP Special Award for his compositions. Beyond choral writing, he has co-authored children's musicals with Sally K. Albrecht, compiled influential vocal solo collections, and written several classroom resources including Ready to Read Music and Accent on Composers. He serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America and resides in North Carolina.

Why we love this

The call-and-response structure gives soloists a genuine moment to shine while the humming choir creates a luminous, meditative backdrop that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the spiritual tradition. The final entrance of the treble trio transforms the piece from joyful into transcendent, rewarding audiences with a satisfying harmonic and emotional lift that justifies the journey through the flood narrative.

What to expect

The piece breathes with the unhurried patience of a story passed down through generations, building from introspective verses into a joyful celebration of deliverance. There is intimacy in the call-and-response and the humming choir, yet the final refrain swells with the kind of communal joy that defines the spiritual tradition.

Who it's for

Choirs at the intermediate to advanced level looking for repertoire that honors spiritual traditions while offering interesting vocal writing and clear solo opportunities. This octavo works well for choirs with strong enough section leaders to carry the flexible solos and ensemble members confident in their ability to sustain humming parts.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the solo voices prominently against the humming choir in the verses; the humming should support and shimmer rather than compete.
  • Shape the call-and-response sections with clear phrasing that lets each exchange breathe; avoid rushing between solos and choir responses.
  • Bring out the jubilant refrain with full voice and infectious energy, then pull back slightly when the treble trio enters to let their moment land with impact.
  • Prepare the humming sections with attention to vowel resonance and sustained pitch; ask singers to imagine the hum as a gentle, unified heartbeat beneath the text.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece for a concert exploring sacred or spiritually rooted music, or place it after a series of more austere or solemn pieces to shift the emotional arc toward hope and celebration. Its moderate length and accessible charm also make it an excellent choice for festival competitions where originality and engaging vocal writing stand out.

Skills your students will build

  • Call-and-response singing with flexible solo phrasing
  • Sustaining sustained humming as an accompaniment layer
  • Blending multiple vocal lines while maintaining textural clarity
  • Interpretation of spiritual traditions through contemporary choral composition

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