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Star of Glory: SAB, <I>a cappella</I> Choral Octavo

$2.25 USD
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Star of Glory Cover Image
Star of Glory: SAB, a cappella Choral Octavo

Star of Glory: SAB, a cappella Choral Octavo

Words and music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-11585
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Description
An exciting, original, a cappella Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse in the tradition of his "No Room," "Have You Heard?," and "Whisper! Whisper!" Lots of effective dynamic contrasts make this a thrilling choral work for both singers and audience. Lush, slow middle section contrasts with up-tempo opening and closing sections. A quality choral work for your Christmas concerts.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Star of Glory: SAB, a cappella Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
UPC: 038081118147
SKU: 00-11585

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 later received the Distinguished Alumni award. His career spans both administrative and creative work: he spent eight years as a rights and licenses administrator for a major educational music publisher and served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America.

As a composer, Althouse has an extraordinary catalog of over 800 choral works performed regularly across the English-speaking world. He holds membership in ASCAP and is a frequent recipient of the ASCAP Special Award. Beyond composition, he has co-created children's musicals with his wife Sally K. Albrecht, compiled vocal solo collections, and authored influential books for music educators including The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers. His collaborative work "I Hear America Singing" was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Obama's 2009 Inauguration.

Why we love this

Althouse's gift for structural contrast shines here. The dynamic arc from energetic opening to introspective middle section to rousing finale creates a shape that keeps singers engaged and audiences invested, without requiring elaborate staging or instrumentation. For a three-part voicing, the writing sits comfortably and sounds full, letting your singers feel like they're making real music rather than managing technical hurdles.

What to expect

Rooted in the spiritual tradition but entirely contemporary in its craft, this work radiates warmth and celebratory joy. The contrast between its exuberant bookends and contemplative center creates real emotional depth for an a cappella piece.

Who it's for

Three-part choirs preparing Christmas programs who want something with genuine musical substance rather than novelty. The voicing works well for developing choirs with limited bass section depth while the spiritual idiom offers cultural authenticity and emotional resonance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the up-tempo sections with clear articulation; let the consonants lead without sounding clipped. This charges the piece with energy without sacrificing clarity.
  • Treat the slow middle section as a genuine shift in emotional temperature. Encourage deeper breath support and a more connected tone to create the lush contrast the piece depends on.
  • Mark all dynamic shifts in rehearsal and drill them separately. The "effective dynamic contrasts" mentioned in the score are the piece's engine; sloppy transitions will flatten the drama.

How to use it

Perfect as a closing piece for a Christmas concert, where its arc from anticipation through reflection and back to excitement mirrors a complete musical journey. It also pairs naturally with other spiritual arrangements in a devotional or sacred music context.

Skills your students will build

  • Controlling dynamic range in a cappella singing without instrumental support
  • Singing connected legato phrases through sustained vowels
  • Distinguishing and executing contrasting tempos and styles within a single work
  • Balancing three-part harmony with clear voice independence

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