Yo Vivo Cantando: Choral SoundPax

Althouse writes with an understanding of what engages both singers and audiences in a single work. The Latin and multicultural roots of this piece give your choir access to rhythmic energy and melodic authenticity that feels genuinely celebratory rather than forced, while the included instrumental parts transform a choral octavo into a small ensemble experience.

Vibrant and alive. The Spanish text paired with Latin-influenced rhythms creates infectious forward motion, while the brass and percussion parts add color and buoyancy rather than weight. This is music that makes singers want to move and audiences want to listen.

Choirs with access to brass players and percussion, from intermediate high school groups through community ensembles. The multicultural content and energetic character appeal to programs seeking repertoire that expands beyond traditional European sources while remaining technically accessible.

• Balance the trumpet and trombone lines against the choir; these aren't meant to overpower but rather propel the rhythm forward. Let the recorded accompaniment guide your section entries during early rehearsals.
• Work the percussion parts as essential texture rather than decoration. The rhythmic precision between your two percussionists will anchor the Latin feel and keep the energy consistent.
• Layer in Spanish diction work early. Songs rooted in language and culture demand attention to vowel color and rhythmic placement that pure mechanics won't deliver.
• Build the climax gradually across the full piece. Althouse designs these works to build momentum, so resist the temptation to arrive at full volume too soon.

Program this alongside other multicultural works to create a thematic set, or use it as an opener that immediately establishes warmth and energy with your audience. It works equally well as a spring concert showstopper or a community engagement piece where the rhythmic accessibility invites listener participation.

• Singing in Spanish with rhythmic clarity and proper vowel placement
• Synchronizing with live instrumental accompaniment
• Reading and performing Latin rhythmic patterns (clave, syncopation)
• Balancing vocal line with complex percussion textures
• Interpreting multicultural musical idioms authentically