The Music of Life: Guitar: Choral SoundPax
By Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PC-0001308_G
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Description
A full-fledged Latin-rock number, in the style of Carlos Santana, complete with rhythmic intensity and solid choral writing. The general, "music" lyrics ("Life is like a melody. Life is like a song.") make it ideal for year-round performance. Two brief Spanish phrases are sung; pronunciation guide included. Full of life.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
18
SKU:
00-PC-0001308_G
Instrumentation:
SoundPax
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 recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus. Before establishing himself as a prolific composer, he spent eight years in music publishing as a rights and licenses administrator, a role that included service on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America.
Althouse has composed more than 800 choral works performed widely across the English-speaking world. Beyond composing, he has co-created children's musicals with his wife Sally K. Albrecht, compiled respected vocal solo collections, and authored pedagogical resources for music classrooms. His compositions have earned regular ASCAP Special Awards, and his collaborative choral work "I Hear America Singing" was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. He resides in North Carolina and serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.
Why we love this
Althouse captures the infectious groove of Latin-rock while maintaining choral accessibility. The universal subject matter and brief Spanish phrases (with pronunciation guide included) allow this piece to anchor year-round programming without feeling seasonal or forced, and the movement and staging opportunities built into the score make it a natural choice for concerts where you want energy and visual engagement.
What to expect
Bright, rhythmically propulsive, and thoroughly alive. The Santana-inspired groove carries the piece forward with infectious motion, while the affirming lyrics about life as music create an optimistic, celebratory atmosphere that resonates with audiences of any age.
Who it's for
Directors seeking accessible Latin-rock energy for mixed choirs at intermediate level and above. The rhythmic intensity and contemporary style appeal to students while the thematic focus on music and life provides meaningful programming year-round, making it equally at home in spring concerts, community performances, or holiday showcases.
How to get the most out of it
- Anchor the rhythm section early in rehearsal. The SoundPax instrumentation relies on solid rhythmic foundation, so lock in the percussion patterns and bass line before layering the vocal parts.
- Work the Spanish pronunciation separately from the melodic line. Isolate the two brief Spanish phrases and drill them until they feel natural, then integrate them into the full sections.
- Lean into the movement possibilities. Althouse has built staging into the score, so experiment with choreography during early rehearsals rather than treating it as a last-minute addition.
- Use the recorded accompaniment during sectional rehearsals. Let soloists and section leaders hear how their parts interact with the full instrumental texture before combining voices in ensemble.
How to use it
Program this as an energy peak in a concert's second half, where its visual staging and grooved rhythm provide contrast to ballads or classical repertoire. Its universal theme makes it work equally well as a finale or as part of a thematic set exploring music, joy, or cultural traditions.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining steady eighth-note rhythms over changing harmonic structures
- Singing with accurate Spanish pronunciation in a musical context
- Coordinating movement and singing simultaneously
- Responding to syncopated rhythmic figures in ensemble
- Balancing melody and rhythmic intensity in contemporary styles