Turn the Lights On!: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Albrecht understands what makes an opening number work: energy, accessibility, and a hook that sticks with your singers long after rehearsal ends. The independent counter-lines give every voice something interesting to sing rather than falling into predictable parts, and the included choreography by Albrecht herself transforms this from a nice song into a genuine theatrical moment. Pair it with the SoundTrax recording, and you've got an opener with professional polish that still feels fresh and fun.

Bright and propulsive, with the infectious energy of curtain going up on opening night. The counterpoint weaves lines together in a way that builds ensemble cohesion while the lyrics create an immediate sense of occasion and celebration. It's the musical equivalent of house lights dimming and the audience leaning forward in their seats.

Choral directors who need a reliable, energetic opener that feels contemporary without being trendy. This works equally well for middle school through adult choirs, and it's particularly valuable if you're looking to teach part-singing independence through contrapuntal movement rather than stacked harmonies.

• Teach the rhythmic foundation first. The 2-beat feel is deceptively simple, but locking the pulse early prevents the piece from dragging or rushing during performance.
• If you're incorporating the flashlight choreography, introduce it after singers own their parts completely. Choreography works best when it feels natural, not distracting.
• Layer the counter-lines gradually in rehearsal. Start with the main melody, add one independent line at a time, and let singers hear how their parts interlock before putting it all together.
• The SoundTrax is essential here. Run the recorded accompaniment in dress rehearsals and performance; it provides the driving energy that makes this feel like opening night.

This is your concert opener when you need to set an upbeat, theatrical tone from the first moment. The optional choreography makes it memorable enough to serve as a signature piece for a particular concert season, or you can keep it simple and let the music carry the energy. It also works well as a warm-up vehicle during rehearsals once it's performance-ready.

• Singing independent melodic lines within a harmonic ensemble
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in 2-beat patterns while singing text
• Coordinating vocal delivery with physical movement and staging
• Listening for and balancing counter-lines in a contrapuntal texture