About Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse, born in 1951, is a highly respected American composer, arranger, and educator renowned for his extensive contributions to choral music. His primary musical style encompasses a vast array of genres, from original sacred and secular choral works to inventive arrangements of folk songs, spirituals, and popular standards. With over 800 published works, Althouse holds significant prominence in the world of educational and performance-based choral music, with his compositions being widely performed by choirs of all levels across the English-speaking world.
- Jay Althouse has more than 800 choral works currently in print, demonstrating his prolific output and widespread influence in the choral music community.
- He received both his B.S. and M.Ed. degrees in Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which later honored him with a Distinguished Alumni Award.
- Alongside his wife, Sally K. Albrecht, Althouse co-authored the best-selling educational resources "The Complete Choral Warm-up Book" and "Accent on Composers."
- His co-written choral work, "I Hear America Singing," was notably performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009.
Performing Jay Althouse's music offers immense rewards for various musicians. His sheet music is ideally suited for choirs of all skill levels, from elementary school ensembles to advanced community and collegiate choirs, as well as vocal soloists seeking accessible yet engaging repertoire. His arrangements often feature singable vocal lines and supportive piano accompaniments, making them excellent tools for developing fundamental choral techniques such as tone, blend, and rhythmic precision. Musicians will find his diverse catalog, which includes everything from vibrant multicultural pieces like "¡Cantar!" to educational works exploring jazz/pop or classical styles, both challenging and gratifying to rehearse and perform.