Words of Wisdom: 2-Part Choral Octavo
1. Early to Bed 2. Live with Ease 3. Don't Throw Stones 4. Fish and Visitors
Words by Benjamin Franklin, music by Sally K. Albrecht
Item: 00-PO-0006302
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Each of the brief pieces in this clever quartet for emerging 2-part singers is built on sage advice from Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac. Exploring themes of wellness, doing what's right, self-awareness, and house guest etiquette, each mini-movement makes great use of musical humor. Use Sally's optional choreography included in the octavo (also available as a free video tutorial) to leave a lasting impression!
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006302
More about this title
About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht
Sally K. Albrecht brings three decades of experience in choral publishing and education to everything she composes. Her career includes directing school choral and vocal programs at major educational music publishers, conducting honor choirs at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, and teaching at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College. She has earned the ASCAP Special Music Award annually since 1987 and holds over 600 published choral works in print.
Albrecht's background in both music and theater informs her distinctive approach to choral composition, particularly her pioneering work with movement and staging. She earned degrees from Rollins College (B.A., 1976) and the University of Miami (M.A. in Drama, M.M. in Accompanying), and in 2021 received the Distinguished Alumna Award from both institutions. She resides in North Carolina with her husband, composer and arranger Jay Althouse.
Why we love this
Albrecht's gift for pairing clever texts with unforgettable musical humor makes this set shine. The Franklin connection gives emerging singers real substance to perform, while the optional choreography transforms what could be a straightforward choral moment into something your audience will remember. Four concise movements mean you can program them as a complete set or break them apart to fit different concert needs.
What to expect
Witty and accessible without being silly, these pieces sparkle with melodic charm and rhythmic snap. Each movement balances musical substance with the lightness that comes from performing wisdom wrapped in Franklin's wry humor, creating moments that feel both genuinely musical and genuinely fun.
Who it's for
This set works beautifully for developing 2-part choirs, whether in middle school, high school, or community settings. Singers gain confidence tackling real musical material that entertains rather than condescends, and conductors appreciate having concert-ready pieces that engage audiences while building vocal skills.
How to get the most out of it
- Explore the free video tutorial for the choreography before rehearsal. Seeing Sally's movement choices in action helps you understand the comedic timing she built into the music.
- Balance clarity of diction with rhythmic precision in the faster sections. These pieces rely on audience understanding the Benjamin Franklin quotes, so every word counts.
- Lean into the musical humor without overplaying it. Let the text and melody do the work; the pieces are written to land without exaggeration.
- Consider the recorded accompaniment as a rehearsal tool early on, then work toward independence in performance for a more polished, engaged sound.
How to use it
Program the full set as a complete act on a concert, or select individual movements to complement heavier repertoire and give your audience a moment of levity. The optional choreography opens doors for themed concert presentations, community showcases, or festival competitions where movement and staging can set your performance apart.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining melodic line through longer phrases
- Maintaining rhythmic independence between two vocal parts
- Coordinating movement with singing and ensemble entries
- Clarity and expression in text delivery
- Responding to musical humor through performance choices