Squeezin' Down the Chimney: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Music by Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0004605
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
You-know-who is SQUEEZIN' DOWN THE CHIMNEY? Just putting this title in your Christmas program will guarantee a giggle from your audience. It's fun, but like all of Jay's music, it's easy-to-teach, and educationally appropriate. The SoundTrax cassette adds the finishing touch.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0004605
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 with the Distinguished Alumni award. His eight-year tenure as a rights and licenses administrator at a major educational music publisher gave him deep insight into what teachers need, and he served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America during that time.
With over 800 choral works in print across all levels, Althouse has become a fixture in music education. He holds ASCAP membership and is a regular recipient of the ASCAP Special Award. Beyond composition, he has co-written children's musicals with Sally K. Albrecht, compiled vocal solo collections, and authored reproducible classroom resources including Ready to Read Music and One-Page Composer Bios. His collaborative choral work I Hear America Singing was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Obama's 2009 Inauguration. Based in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Althouse serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.
Why we love this
Althouse knows exactly how to write humor that lands without sacrificing musicality or teaching value. A title this witty will draw laughs before the first note sounds, but what follows is genuinely singable music that keeps your two-part singers engaged rather than lost in novelty.
What to expect
From the moment your students read the title aloud, they're smiling. The music itself is buoyant and straightforward, designed to feel easy to sing while delivering the laugh that makes holiday programs memorable. This is the kind of piece that gets applause before it even begins.
Who it's for
Two-part choirs at the middle school and early high school level will find this piece accessible and rewarding to prepare. It works equally well for community and church choirs seeking holiday repertoire with genuine charm and humor.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the comedic timing. Let the ensemble hear and enjoy the title before diving into rehearsal so the humor reinforces engagement throughout preparation.
- Balance brightness in the upper voices with clarity in the lower part to maintain the playful character without losing blend.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in tempo and phrasing early, which frees rehearsal time for building enthusiasm and vocal control.
How to use it
Pair this with one or two carols of contrasting style and mood to create a well-rounded holiday set that keeps energy high without relying on novelty alone. It's ideal as a program opener or closer when you want to send your audience home with warmth and laughter.
Skills your students will build
- Part independence in two-part writing
- Maintaining musical character and expression in accessible arrangements
- Ensemble blend and balance with simple textures
- Holiday choral repertoire for solo performance contexts