Uma Familia: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Music by Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0002180
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
No nation better represents the mixing of "world" music than Brazil, and the pure harmonies and silky melodies of its pop music have never gone out of style. Jay Althouse recreates this Brazilian feel with Uma Familia ("We are one family"). The text, which reminds us "we are all one great family, one people," is in English with a single phrase in Portuguese. It's fresh, timely, and a joy to sing. And the "world music" sounding SoundTrax captures the joy that is Brazil. A cross-cultural gem.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0002180
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 earned the Distinguished Alumni award. His eight-year tenure in rights and licenses administration at a major educational publisher gave him deep insight into how music reaches classrooms and performance spaces. He served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America during that period.
Althouse has composed over 800 choral works performed across the English-speaking world. He holds ASCAP membership and is a regular recipient of the ASCAP Special Award. Beyond composition, he has compiled vocal solo collections, co-authored pedagogical texts including The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers, and created classroom resources on music literacy and composer study. His collaborative works with his wife Sally K. Albrecht include children's musicals and I Hear America Singing, which was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Obama's 2009 inauguration. He currently serves on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.
Why we love this
Althouse captures Brazilian warmth and accessibility in a 2-part setting that works for emerging and developing choirs alike. The bilingual text (primarily English with a Portuguese phrase) opens a genuine conversation about unity without feeling preachy, and the joyful melody sits naturally for mixed treble voices. The SoundTrax accompaniment authentically reflects Brazilian rhythmic character, giving your singers something vibrant to lock into rather than a generic pop backing.
What to expect
The piece radiates warmth and optimism. Silky melodic lines float over the rhythmic energy of Brazilian pop, creating a soundscape that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition. Singers and listeners alike feel the joy in the composition, a reminder that well-written popular music can still move and unite people.
Who it's for
This octavo works for middle school and early high school choirs looking to expand beyond traditional Western European repertoire. It's equally valuable for community and church choirs seeking music that programs well alongside more serious works and connects to themes of inclusivity and shared identity.
How to get the most out of it
- Explore the rhythmic lilt of the accompaniment before rehearsing the singers. Let your ensemble feel the syncopated pulse so they can sit comfortably rather than fight it.
- Layer the Portuguese phrase into rehearsal gradually. Have singers speak it rhythmically first, then add pitch once it's a natural part of the text.
- Balance blend and blend carefully in the two-part writing; the simplicity of the voicing means intonation and vowel unity will be heard immediately.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to establish tempo and groove early, but consider rehearsing at least one section with just voices to build confidence in the harmonic foundation.
How to use it
Program Uma Familia as a mood-shifter in a concert of serious choral repertoire, or use it to anchor a set exploring music from around the world. Its message of unity and family fits spring concerts, celebration services, or multicultural programming, and the accessible two-part voicing makes it an ideal selection when you want strong musical impact without overwhelming a developing ensemble.
Skills your students will build
- Singing with independence in a two-part texture
- Interpreting syncopated rhythmic figures in pop-influenced music
- Singing in Portuguese with authentic pronunciation
- Responding to world music accompaniment styles and grooves