Peace Like a River: SSA Choral Octavo
American Folk Song / arr. Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0001535
$1.85
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Enjoy this simply beautiful and singable setting of the serene American folk song. The fresh piano accompaniment provides a changing foundation for each verse.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0001535
More about this title
About the Arranger: Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse holds degrees in Music Education and Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned the Distinguished Alumni award. His eight-year tenure in rights and licensing for a major educational publisher gave him deep insight into what directors actually need; he also served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America during that time.
As a composer, Althouse has more than 800 choral works in print across all levels, performed widely throughout English-speaking countries. He is a writer member of ASCAP and a regular recipient of the ASCAP Special Award. Beyond composition, he has co-authored children's musicals with his wife Sally K. Albrecht, compiled influential vocal solo collections including Folk Songs for Solo Singers, and written The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers. His contributions to music education extend to classroom resources such as Ready to Read Music, Sixty Music Quizzes, and One-Page Composer Bios. Althouse co-wrote I Hear America Singing, performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. He serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America and has contributed articles to the Folk Art Messenger.
Why we love this
Althouse understands what makes a folk song arrangement work for developing choirs. The piano accompaniment actively supports each verse with fresh harmonic color rather than simply repeating the same patterns, which keeps singers engaged and gives the piece architectural interest. The singability and emotional directness of this setting means your singers can focus on tone quality and blend rather than wrestling with technical complexity, allowing genuine musical communication to happen.
What to expect
This arrangement captures the quiet dignity of the folk tradition while honoring the spiritual weight embedded in the text. The serene melody unfolds with natural ease, supported by a piano that seems to listen as much as accompany, creating space for contemplative singing rather than dramatic display.
Who it's for
SSA choirs of mixed experience levels will find this setting accessible and rewarding. It suits ensembles preparing repertoire for spring or fall concerts, especially when programming reflects themes of community, hope, or reflection.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the SSA texture so the middle voice (second soprano) remains audible; Althouse's changing accompaniment means the piano often outlines inner harmonic movement that the singers should mirror in their blend.
- Treat each verse as a distinct musical moment rather than simply repeating the same energy; the shifting piano foundation is a cue to vary dynamics and vowel color.
- Allow space for breath and silence between phrases to let the folk melody breathe; resist the urge to fill every moment with sound.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for a peace or brotherhood themed concert, or pair it with other folk arrangements to create a thematic set. Its undemanding vocal demands make it an excellent choice for winter or spring programs where you want to showcase ensemble cohesion and musicality alongside more demanding repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining open vowels in folk idiom while maintaining ensemble blend
- Following and responding to harmonic movement in the accompaniment
- Interpreting dynamic and textural variation across multiple verses
- Singing with emotional authenticity in a simple, direct style