Slow Dancing in the Snow: SATB Choral Octavo
Music by Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0004485
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
It's back to the 50's with this slow rock ballad that's perfect for your winter concerts. It's not a Christmas piece, so it's suitable for any secular winter-time concert. Jay Althouse cleverly mixes memories of summer ("The soft summer breeze. the sway of the trees") with images of winter for an absolutely unforgetable musical treat. "So let it snow till Valentine's Day..." and we'll for Slow Dancing in the Snow.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0004485
More about this title
About the Composer: Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse holds degrees in Music Education and Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was later honored as a Distinguished Alumni recipient. His career spans both the publishing and composing worlds; he spent eight years in rights and licensing administration for a major educational music publisher and served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America.
With more than 800 choral works in print, Althouse has established himself as a prolific voice in choral music across all levels. His compositions receive regular performance throughout the English-speaking world and have earned him consistent ASCAP Special Awards for his contributions to standard music. Beyond composition, he has co-written children's musicals with Sally K. Albrecht, edited influential vocal collections, authored classroom resources on music literacy and composer study, and co-written works performed at major national events. He serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America and resides in North Carolina.
Why we love this
Althouse captures something genuinely clever here: the nostalgic 1950s rock ballad style that audiences instantly recognize, paired with contrasting imagery that keeps the piece from feeling dated. The seasonal context is flexible enough to fit winter concerts without leaning into holiday clichés, making it a practical addition to concert programming when you need that particular warmth without the December baggage.
What to expect
The music captures that bittersweet territory between memory and present moment. The slow rock ballad setting gives it an intimate, candlelit quality, while the layering of summer and winter imagery creates a wistful mood that feels both retro and timeless.
Who it's for
This piece works well for mixed choirs at the high school and community level who are comfortable with blended voicing and want to perform secular winter repertoire with personality. The 1950s idiom appeals to audiences of all ages, and the piece sits in a friendly vocal range for singers who may not be extensively trained.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the counterpoint between soprano and alto lines during the summer memory sections to let both melody and harmony shine equally.
- Shape the dynamic transitions from the 50s rock feel to the winter imagery with clear intention; these shifts are where the piece's emotional center lives.
- If using the recorded accompaniment, check balance between voice sections and instrumental texture in your rehearsal space; adjust mic placement or voice positioning accordingly.
- Pay attention to the phrase endings where text changes between seasons; small breath points and releases can highlight the compositional contrast Althouse builds.
How to use it
Position this as a showcase piece in your winter concert when you want something that contrasts with both traditional holiday fare and overly contemporary arrangements. The movement and staging possibilities make it engaging for audiences who appreciate visual interest alongside the singing.
Skills your students will build
- Blending different melodic lines in SATB texture
- Interpreting contrasting text imagery through vocal shaping and dynamics
- Performing in period rock style with accuracy and stylistic awareness
- Working with staging and movement as compositional elements