Novelty Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/context/novelty/ Music by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker Sun, 15 Mar 2026 01:32:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://donnaandandy.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-Logo-Red-Castle-Publishing-Music-by-Donna-Andy.png Novelty Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/context/novelty/ 32 32 Jingle Bells – Scarf Activity https://donnaandandy.com/product/jingle-bells-scarf-activity-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/jingle-bells-scarf-activity-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Fri, 23 Jan 2026 21:10:02 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=521400 Choosing repertoire for Kindergarten students is particularly tricky when students have had only a few months of music classes. Many students have not discovered their singing voices and those who have may not have developed the skill of matching the pitch of others and singing in tune.

Choosing a familiar song may help the process. Even the generally well known Jingle Bells may present issues because of the wordy verses. To facilitate using this song for Kindergarten concert performances, have the students sing only in the choruses.

Add scarves and move to the beat during the verses for a presentation that includes demonstration of age-appropriate skill development (keeping the beat) and only a few short sections of lyrics. Bonus – even if the young singers are not able to sing in tune with each other, the audience will still know the song and the words!

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Vocal score (French lyrics)
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide
  • Accompaniment – piano with percussion
  • Teaching Tips

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Jingle Bells - Scarf Activity

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the vocal score as you listen to the accompaniment for Jingle Bells.

Song for Young Singers - Jingle Bells - arranged by Donna Rhodenizer - vocal score - SAMPLE

Teaching Tips

Teaching Tips

Add Scarves and Movement

Scarves are a great addition to this performance. They look great, they are easy for students to handle, and scarves don’t make noise when they are dropped! Scarves are often available as part of regular music classroom or vocal studio “equipment” or the physical education teacher may also have some on hand. An alternative is to use cloth or paper streamers.

Movement and scarf suggestions are included in the download.

ABA form

Use body percussion in the choruses and add scarves to the verses to create visual differences in the A and B sections of the song.

Combine Classes

With kindergarten students or young singers ages 5-7 it is recommended that classes be combined to create a larger group of singers for concert performances. This helps foster confidence (safety in numbers) and even if some students are not comfortable singing, the performance still can be successful. Including singing and physical elements to the song means that both singing and non-singing students are included in the performance. In addition, young voices are not strong at this age and being able to create enough volume to project the sound in a large performing space can be an issue. With more singers, there is a better chance of being heard without asking the children to “sing louder”, something that is to be avoided!

French Language Options

The limited lyrics involved in this performance (partial chorus only) make this song accessible for early French immersion students. A French vocal score is included in the download. In a vocal studio, use the song as a language study, alternating choruses in English and French.

Jingle All the Way!

Include jingle bells in your performance.

Use only a few sets of jingle bells so the jingling doesn’t overpower the singing voices.

Composer's Notes

Jingle Bells - Scarf Activity

I enjoyed using this scarf activity with my students multiple times during my 35 years as an elementary music specialist. It has been a great addition to many concerts when the option of singing a song was totally beyond the ability of my young students. I am excited that it fits in seasonal and non-seasonal concerts, the students love performing it, and audiences love seeing it. Win-win-win!

You're Invited

When you have enjoyed singing this song with your students - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

Send us your video of Jingle Bells - Scarf Activity and perhaps we can post it here.

Tobogganing - song / music composed by Donna Rhodenizer - return to store image

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/jingle-bells-scarf-activity-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 It’s a Pirate’s Life for Me https://donnaandandy.com/product/its-a-pirates-life-for-me-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/its-a-pirates-life-for-me-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Fri, 23 May 2025 19:22:08 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=520377 Pirates seem to be able to do everything they want, or nothing at all. This up-tempo song encourages lusty singing and invites theatrical flair (“To the sea!”). Donna Rhodenizer’s ability to connect with children and provide them with a unique musical perspective is very evident in this rollicking sea shanty.

The swinging eighths and bouncy accompaniment make this a jolly song. Each of three verses includes only four short lines of lyrics and the repetitious chorus includes the exuberant call “to the sea” that is a favourite part of the song. The melody briefly dips into the lower range but is set mainly in the C4-C5 range, suitable for young singers.

The Donna & Andy performance track provides vocal modelling, support for non-singing teachers/parents, and the opportunity for general music enjoyment. The accordion and trombone instrumentation creates an authentic accompaniment track that is fun to include in rehearsals and concerts.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track - SAMPLE:

Listen to melody + accompaniment - SAMPLE:

Download for Classrooms and Choirs Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy – performance track
  • Teaching tips
  • Colouring page

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It's a Pirate's Life for Me

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio Sample

Listen to melody + accompaniment for It's a Pirate's Life for Me as you follow along with the lyrics.

It's a Pirate's Life for Me - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics -SAMPLE

Part of a song collection

It's a Pirate's Life for Me is one of 12 songs from the award-winning song collection "Blue Skies and Pirates". Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker have written these songs in a variety of styles and skill levels for singers from ages 5-12+.

Learn more about this fun collection for elementary-aged kids, choirs and solo vocal students. The 112-page book provides the vocal score, full score and separate lyrics pages for 12 songs. Enjoy! 

Please note: audio tracks for the e-book version are sold separately. Print copies of the book include CD (24 tracks)

Blue Skies and Pirates - Song Collection - by Donna Rhodenizer

Stream and purchase audio tracks

Stream or Purchase from many streaming sites including: Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, Deezer.

The Blue Skies and Pirates  CD (Donna & Andy performance and instrumental) tracks (24) are available as download or physical CD on this website.

Teaching tips

Introducing the song

Read the lyrics aloud.
Discuss any unfamiliar words.
Have a discussion

  • Do students think it would be fun to be a pirate with a talking parrot and the ability to sail a ship wherever they want to go?
  • Has anyone ever seen or heard a talking parrot?

Lyric options

Two options for lyrics are provided for line two of verse three.
Decide if you want to sing about a pirate with a sword, or if you prefer to have the pirate sleeping.
The teacher may make this decision before introducing the song, and two separate lyric sheets are provided to accommodate this lyric choice. It is also an option to have the students vote on their preference.

Performance suggestions

Add simple props – striped shirts, bandanas, toy parrots and fake tattoos (An eyeliner is a great tool for creating temporary tattoos).

Include special pirate “soloists” to present the spoken response, “To the sea!” Invite soloists to give different interpretations of the “to the sea!” response.

  • Loud / soft
  • High pitched/ low pitched
  • Changing their natural voice to sound more gruff, or silly, or…..

Small group classes, elementary music classroom singers or choirs may be divided into small solo groups to sing the verses as small solo sections. This helps lighten lyric memorization demands for younger singers.

Home schoolers

Create a ship by organizing a group of chairs, turning a table upside down, or using a cardboard box.

Pretend to be pirates as you listen to the song and sing along.

Have fun!

Colouring page

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song It's a Pirate's Life for Me

It's a Pirates Life for Me - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Colouring page - artwork by Richard Bennett

Composer's Notes

Some songs seem to “arrive” without much fuss. This is one of those songs. I don’t remember what sparked my imagination and got me started writing, but it was a simple process to include all the clichés associated with pirates as I wrote lyrics for the verses. It is great fun to include participatory bits in a song that I know the students will love to sing. The exuberant call, “To the sea!” is that kind of fun element that draws kids into the singing experience. Often the songs I write reflect the fact that I am the mother of three energetic boys. If I could write lyrics and keep my own three livewires interested, it was a good indication of how it would go for the general child population that eventually sings my songs.

The recording process for this song was also a blast. Our Donna & Andy recordings have all been recorded using the talents of the best musicians we can find. It’s a Pirate’s Life for Me was recorded for the CD: Bue Skies and Pirates, with lots of blues and jazz influenced tunes. The “heavyweights” we hired to record our tracks were high-end, well-known jazz musicians and musical monsters who are able to play with incredible skill. We took courage in hand and requested each of these highly respected musicians to add a spoken response, “to the sea!” to include on this track. At first, we thought nobody would agree, but as each musician contributed their pirate interpretation, their inner child became very evident. As the voices started accumulating, efforts were made to stand out in the group of voices. they tried to be louder, they laughed at each other, they asked to re-do their part if they thought they could do a better take. They were silly, they were earnest and they had fun!

You are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing this song with your students - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

Send us your performance video - perhaps we might post it on this page!

Send us your video of It's a Pirate's Life for Me and perhaps we can post it here.

It's a Pirates Life for Me - Song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Parrot & boy return to store - artwork by Richard Bennett and Matth Cupido

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/its-a-pirates-life-for-me-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 A Birdly Debate https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-birdly-debate-song-for-young-singers-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-birdly-debate-song-for-young-singers-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:58:29 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=520038 What happens when two birds go toe to toe and beak to beak, arguing about who is the best bird? It gets even more complicated when they fail to see a prowling cat, ready to take advantage of their inattention. The ending is written with two options and the outcome is decided by the singer!

A Birdly Debate is written with call and response tongue-twisty repetitive “cuckoo” and “rat-a-tat” lyrics representing the arguing birds. It works well as a duet or as a 2-part or unison song for choir or small group performances. It can also be sung as a solo piece.

The melody is written within the range of D4-D5, sitting in a vocal range that works well for young singers. The action begins with the melody in a major key and a contrasting minor section represents the arrival of the cat. With sections alternating between major and minor, the final minor section signals the end of the argument and the song ends as it began, in the major key.

A Birdly Debate includes dramatic moments and humour creating an ideal vehicle for exploring expressive singing. It can be used as a score study focusing on major and minor tonalities, repeats, 1st and 2nd endings and 3/4 meter. It is also wonderful for early duet or ensemble singing experience. Students choose the ending of the song, experiencing the thought process of a composer making lyric choices.

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Teaching Tips

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A Birdly Debate

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for A Birdly Debate.

Coldbrook & District Elementary School

(director - Joanna MacPhee Simpson) in rehearsal with composer Donna Rhodenizer. The singers (grades 4 & 5) are demonstrating the ending with the Cuckoo wining the debate.

This was a March rehearsal leading up to the school's year end concert in June.

A Birdly Debate - song / music composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics - SAMPLE

Teacher Tips

Expressive singing

Use clear, crisp diction for the repeated “cuckoo” and “rat-a-tat tat” lyrics.

The melodic placement of the “cuckoos” provides the opportunity to work on singing with a light upper register tone.

Discuss how to create a contrast between the major and minor sections. The tonality, staccato or legato phrases and dynamics all play a part in creating the contrast.

Discuss the term leggiero at the beginning of each B section. How will that expressive instruction affect the way the singer will sing in this section?

Find the rit. at the end of each C section. Following this marking creates a final bit of drama and highlights the shift between the minor and major tonalities.

Composing

Decide on the final outcome of the song. This may require compromise if there are varied opinions regarding which ending should be sung. Try not to get into a singers debate!

When composing the two endings, I was thinking that the cat either manages to eat one bird or two. However, without specific details provided, that outcome is open to interpretation. If students feel better with no carnivorous activity taking place, it is certainly possible that the cat scared away the woodpecker, leaving the cuckoo to declare its status as the "winner" of the debate. Teachers are encouraged to discuss this background information with students as they make their decision about the song ending!

Call and Response

A Birdly Debate has three sections.

Section A – dialogue between the two birds

Section B – cuckoo and rat-a-tat tat alternating lyrics

Section C – minor tonality and dealing with the cat

The sections can be managed in a variety of ways with unison sections or the lyrics divided between two groups of singers using call and response.

  • Call and response provides the opportunity for singers to add different perspectives and hone their expressive singing skills as each singer or group expressively represents the view of “their” bird.
  • Call and response helps singers develop musical independence, an early introduction to a skill used for harmony singing.

The teacher and student(s) may decide together how much of the song will be sung back and forth between the two groups and which sections will be sung in unison.

Part options: 

  1. Sing sections A and C in unison. In the B section, divide the singers into a “cuckoo” group and a “rat-a-tat tat” group. Each group will sing only their words alternating back and forth (call and response style) through this section.
  2. Divide all cuckoo and rat-a-tat-tat lyrics between the two groups of singers. This will mean the A section and the B section will include the call and response treatment of the lyrics.
  3. Divide the dialogue lyrics so each group only sings the lyrics that correspond with the bird they are representing.

The PDF download includes more detailed instructions and suggestions for dividing the song between two parts.

Ensemble Singing

It may be helpful to involve a director to assist a small ensemble with the call and response sections and help singers stay together. If a director is part of the performance, singers will need to practice watching carefully for direction.

Without a director, singers need to listen carefully to each other so call and response sections flow seamlessly one to the other.

When practicing the 2-part version of this song, have the two groups face each other to help the singers hear and respond to the other part more clearly.

Composer's Notes

A Birdly Debate

Inspiration for a song can come in a variety of ways. This song was written because of another cuckoo song I saw in a book. The song included repeated cuckoo lyrics but they were hard to sing and the song didn’t really work for me. For some reason, that sparked the idea of two birds talking back and forth. What would they talk about? Would they argue about who was the superior bird? I jotted down ideas and knew it was going to work as a song when it made me laugh as I was writing.

The cat showed up, almost the same as it does in the song, skulking about the edges of my thought process and inserting itself into the story. I wrote two different endings for the song. I thought both had merit and I couldn’t decide which one to include. My kids used to read “choose your own ending” books. I decided to include both lyric options and leave it up to the singer to choose the ending. As much as it was really a copout on my part not to make the choice, I also think it is fun for the singer to have a bit of say in the matter. I have tried to sing this song with Andy dividing up the cuckoo and rat-a-tat tats back and forth and we usually end up laughing. When the Coldbrook & District School Grade 4-5 Choir (in Nova Scotia) premiered A Birdly Debate, they did a super job and gave this song a good start in the world! Congratulations to the singers and their teacher, Joanna MacPhee Simpson.

You are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing this song and doing the activities with your students - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

Please send us your performing video - we might be able to post it on this page!

Send us your video of A Birdly Debate and perhaps we can post it here.

A Birdly Debate - song / music composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Return to Store image

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-birdly-debate-song-for-young-singers-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Computer Cat https://donnaandandy.com/product/computer-cat-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/computer-cat-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Tue, 04 Feb 2025 23:49:39 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519759 What would happen if the cat ate the computer mouse? Completing homework would certainly be much more complicated! Written with an easy swing feel, the verses “let the cat out of the bag” as the story unfolds, and the repeated chorus has spots for dramatic pauses or even a few “solo meows”. The melody occasionally dips to the outer edges of the vocal range but generally sits in the comfortable middle notes between Bb3 – D5. This range is appropriate and accessible for young voices.
Students in grades 2-4 enjoy singing Computer Cat, and it can be used as a listening activity with younger students (Pre-K to grade 2). Use this song with small group classes or solo singers ages 12 and under.

Computer Cat is included as a 2-verse song in the Royal Conservatory of Music Series, 2019 Edition: Repertoire 3, List B: 20th- and 21st- Century Repertoire.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment - sample:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy – performance track
  • 10 Cross-curricular Activities
  • Teaching Tips
  • Colouring page

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Computer Cat

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Computer Cat.

Computer Cat - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE

Part of a Song Collection

The song Computer Cat  is one of 12 songs from the award-winning song collection "Computer Cat". Donna Rhodenizer has written these songs in a variety of styles and skill levels for singers from ages 5-12+.

Learn more about this fun collection for elementary-aged kids, choirs and solo vocal students. The 93-page book provides the vocal score, full score and separate lyrics pages for 12 songs. Enjoy! 

Please note: audio tracks for the e-book version are sold separately. Print copies of the book include CD (24 tracks)

Computer Cat print book (without CD) is also available on Amazon

Computer Cat - Songbook

Stream and purchase Audio tracks

Stream or Purchase from many streaming sites including:

Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, Deezer.


The Computer Cat  CD (Donna & Andy performance and instrumental) tracks (24) are available for download or physical CD on this website.

Teacher Tips

Discuss the Vocabulary used in this song

  • Do the students ever use a mouse with their computer?
  • Have they ever seen a mouse that is attached to the computer with a cable?
  • What is the “pad” that is mentioned in bar 10?
  • What is computer RAM?

Once the vocabulary has been explored, review the story as it is written in the lyrics. This should help students understand the story they are singing!

Expressive singing

  • Use expressive singing to tell this humorous story.
  • What emotions will you try to convey? Humour, exasperation, frustration…?
  • Use dynamics, paying particular attention to lyrics that repeat. Singing the repeated words with dynamic changes creates interest and momentum for the phrase. Decide if you will add a crescendo or a decrescendo for the repeated words.

Solo opportunity

If singing with a group of students, select one or two students to add a few solo meows at strategic spots in the song.

Add simple movement

Adding a few simple gestures can help emphasize the lyrics.

Some examples include:

   with my hand on the mouse – move your hand as if moving a computer mouse

   push the cat around on the desk – move your hand as if pushing a cat!

Explore cross-curricular activities and connect with other subject areas.


10 Cross-curricular activities

10 Cross-curricular activities are provided in the PDF download extending the focus of this song to other subject areas including:

  • Fine arts: music, visual art, drama, dance
  • Language arts
  • Math
  • Technology

Colouring Page - Download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song Computer Cat. 

Computer Cat - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - colouring page - sample

Composer's Notes

Computer Cat is one of my early songs. It was written in the mid 1990s as a result of a question posed by my six-year-old son, Daniel. He had seen me using the computer (or maybe he was using one himself at that point) and he said, “Mom, what would happen if the cat ate the mouse for the computer?” This was an interesting thought and evoked amusing images and it was a great foundation for a fun song. Cats are not known to be particularly cooperative at the best of times. I envisioned the necessity of chasing and catching the cat when it was time to do computer work and then the trouble of convincing it to agree to being pushed around on the desk. The issues of static electricity and being ticklish would certainly create some tension!

It is amazing to me that almost 30 years after writing this song, I can look back and see how much technology has changed since the song was originally written. Many of the computer innovations of the 1990s have been replaced and replaced again in the ensuing years. What we thought was leading-edge technology (which it was at the time) now looks very antiquated. Computer Cat still has appeal as a humorous song, although it may require a bit of historical context for young singers who wonder what a mouse and pad have to do with using a computer!

You are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing this song and doing the activities with your students - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

Please send us your performing video - we might be able to post it on this page!

Send us your video of Computer Cat and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - Penguins - artwork by Richard Bennett

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/computer-cat-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Marching Music & Activities https://donnaandandy.com/product/marching-music-and-activities-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/marching-music-and-activities-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:21:03 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519279 Marches are a great style of music motivating students to move and respond. The infectious beat of a march seems to elicit a response from even the youngest of students. Using march music as students enter and exit the classroom provides focus during these transitions. It is an excellent choice to encourage movement whether it is used for entering the teaching space or as a movement break.

Explore marching as a thematic unit or use the two original instrumental marches and four songs in this collection as a movement activity or fun songs to sing.

Instrumental songs for marching (Original Donna Rhodenizer songs)

  • September March
  • January March (Marshmallow March)

September March and January March are selected from a 12-song series of marches Donna created to use with her students. A variety of activities are suggested for use with these marches including ways to incorporate keeping the beat, moving and responding to phrases, silent beat keeping, dynamics and exploring facial expression.

 Songs to sing

  • March Quickly
  • Deedle Deedle Dumpling
  • The Ants Go Marching
  • Midnight March

March Quickly is a singing game for young, emerging singers to internalize the beat and the tone sets s-m, s-l-s and s-m-d.

Deedle Deedle Dumpling is a singing game that includes a unique way to explore the accented beats of a march in 2/4 time. In addition, it can be used with kindergarten and grade 1 students to prepare and internalize s-m-d combinations and with grade 2 students for labelling and practicing s-m-d combinations.

The Ants Go Marching is a well-loved traditional song, sung at many campfires and on long road trips helping to pass the time. Add marching while singing the song. As well, students can make up their own verses, providing a chance to work on composing skills!

Midnight March is a delightful story about toy soldiers who wake up at midnight to march around the toy shop. They practice their left-right marching steps and eventually return to the shelf where they go back to sleep until it is time for the next midnight march. Repetitious words, a simple melody with a narrow vocal range and easy actions make this a fun song for classroom use and also a winner for school concerts or vocal recitals.

Midnight March has French lyrics, creating the song, La marche de minuit. Use the French version as a language study or wherever a simple French song is required.

Listen to melody + accompaniment - Midnight March:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal scores (March Quickly, Deedle Deedle Dumpling, The Ants Go Marching, Midnight March)
  • Lead sheet (The Ants Go Marching, Midnight March)
  • Full score (Midnight March)
  • Lyrics (The Ants Go Marching, Midnight March)
  • Instrumental accompaniment track with melody guide (Midnight March)
  • Piano accompaniment track (Midnight March)
  • French language study (La marche de minuit) (vocal score and lyrics)
  • Instrumental - lead sheet (September March)
  • Instrumental track (September March)
  • Instrumental - lead sheet (January March)
  • Instrumental track (January March)
  • Teaching tips and strategies
  • LINKS
    • List of YouTube links to samples of famous marches for listening, moving and viewing
    • Instructional videos (links)
      • Marching Activities with Donna – Marching into March
      • September March (with teaching tips)
      • September March (demo)

Also, you can purchase Midnight March separately

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Marching Music & Activities

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Midnight March.

Midnight March - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Marching songs - Audio

September March

January March

Teaching Tips

Discussion

Use Midnight March as a discussion starter.

  • What do you think the toys would do if they were allowed to wake up and play in the toy store when nobody was around?
  • What other toys do you think would want to join in the fun?
  • Would you like to sneak in the toy store to watch the toys playing?

Movement Activities

Discuss the musical style of a march.

Listen to a few examples of marches.

Play a variety of marches as students are entering and/or exiting music class. Encourage them to march along with the music.

Add dynamics to the marching by calling out dynamic changes: loud, soft, tiptoe, stomp, etc. Students will need to adjust their steps to generate the dynamic that has been called out.

Keep the Beat

Keep the beat by patsching (patting both hands with flat palms on the thighs).

Keep the beat using other body percussion i.e., tapping the shoulders, hot potato fists, tapping the end of your nose, bending the knees while standing in one spot, windshield wiper hands, tick tocking index fingers, etc.

Marches can be written in 2/4, 4/4 or 6/8 meter. Beat one will be stronger than the other beats. This is easiest to hear in 2/4 meter.

  • Find a march written in 2/4 meter.
  • Move around the room keeping the beat by marching as you listen to the song.
  • Take one shoe off. Start marching on beat one with the “shoe” foot and listen for the accented beat one that is created by stepping shoe, sock, shoe, sock.

Sing the song Deedle Deedle Dumpling

  • March with one shoe off and one shoe on. Begin marching on beat one with the “shoe” foot and listen for the accent on beat one.

The main character in this song (John) has gone to bed with one shoe off and one shoe on. Maybe he was so tired he fell asleep before he could take off the second shoe. Maybe he had been practicing marching and listening for the accented beat!

Composer's Notes

March Music & Activities

I love including marches with my elementary music classes. There is something about a cheery march that gets children moving to the beat, almost instinctively. I wanted a march for some "entering the classroom" music, so I started creating my own using my keyboard. My marches needed to be long enough to last while the students were entering the room and getting to their spots, but not too long so the children would lose interest.

I started amassing a number of these marches and I needed to give them names to keep track of them. September March was written at the beginning of the school year and the title made sense to me. However, as I thought about the title, it amused me to think that September March was created by combining two months of the year. I started labelling my marches with names of months and continued to create new songs until I had a set of 12. Now I have marches from January March through to December March. Not content to just have these amusing combinations, I have also given each march a secondary name that relates to the month that they represent, i.e. January March is subtitled Marshmallow March as a nod to all the snow we get at that time of year. The only month that doesn’t have a subtitle is my first composition, September March.

As I write these composer’s notes, only two of my marches have been introduced outside of my music room to date. However, at some point in time all twelve may be presented as a collection giving children and teachers lots of marching options.

Midnight March is a song I wrote about marching toy soldiers. It has its own composer’s story included at https://donnaandandy.com/product/midnight-march-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/

More Information - Blog Post

Read more about Marching Music & Activities in this blog post. Enjoy!

More Marching Songs

Sing songs written in marching style

You Are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing this song with your students - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

Please send us your performance video - we might be able to post it on this page!

Teachers video

Play this for your students

Send us your videos of any of these Marching Songs and perhaps we can post them here.

Soldiers returning to the Donna & Andy website store

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/marching-music-and-activities-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Midnight March https://donnaandandy.com/product/midnight-march-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/midnight-march-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:04:40 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519235 Midnight March is a delightful story about toy soldiers who wake up at midnight to march around the toy shop. They practice their left-right marching steps and eventually return to the shelf where they go back to sleep until it is time for the next midnight march.

With simple rhythmic and melodic elements, a narrow vocal range, repeated lyrics, and simple actions, Midnight March is a terrific song choice for emerging singers. Although there are no seasonal references in the song, the theme of toy soldiers allows it to fit easily in non-seasonal concerts as well as Christmas-themed concerts or recitals.

Marches are a great style of music to motivate students to move and respond to music. When planning student activities “giving them a reason to listen” informs teaching practices and helps teachers create engaging lessons. The infectious beat of a march seems to elicit a response from even the youngest of students. It is an excellent choice to encourage movement whether it is used for entering the teaching space or as a movement break.

French lyrics also included! Use La marche de minuit as a French language study or as a performance piece.

Midnight March is available as a single song purchase or in combination with other marches and activities in the package, Marching Music & Activities (coming soon - stay tuned)

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • French vocal score – language study
  • French lyrics – language study
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Teaching Tips

Midnight March is included in Marching Music & Activities on this website

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Midnight March

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Midnight March.

Midnight March - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Teaching Tips

Discussion

Use Midnight March as a discussion starter.

  • What do you think the toys would do if they were allowed to wake up and play in the toy store when nobody was around?
  • What other toys do you think would want to join in the fun?
  • Would you like to sneak in the toy store to watch the toys playing?

Movement Activities

Discuss the musical style of a march.

Listen to a few examples of marches.

Play a variety of marches as students are entering and/or exiting music class. Encourage them to march along with the music.

Add dynamics to the marching by calling out dynamic changes: loud, soft, tiptoe, stomp, etc. Students will need to adjust their steps to generate the dynamic that has been called out.


Keep the Beat

Keep the beat by patsching (patting both hands with flat palms on the thighs).

Keep the beat using other body percussion i.e., tapping the shoulders, hot potato fists, tapping the end of your nose, bending the knees while standing in one spot, windshield wiper hands, tick tocking index fingers, etc.

Marches can be written in 2/4, 4/4 or 6/8 meter. Beat one will be stronger than the other beats. This is easiest to hear in 2/4 meter.

  • Find a march written in 2/4 meter.
  • As you listen to the song, move around the room keeping the beat by marching.
  • Take one shoe off. Start marching on beat one with the “shoe” foot and listen for the accented beat one that is created by stepping shoe, sock, shoe, sock.

Actions

Suggested actions are included in the PDF download.

Use the French translation, La marche de minuit to sing the song as a language study or a simple French song for a recital or concert.

Composer's Notes

Midnight March

I am always on the lookout for simple songs for my youngest students to sing. Kindergarten students have only a few short weeks of school before concert preparation begins. Often times this means they haven’t even discovered they have a singing voice, when suddenly they are being asked to sing in a group in front of a gym full of people. This can be daunting! The best plan of action is to choose songs with a melody that is easy for emerging singers to learn, simple repetitious words, and a few actions that help youngsters remember the words. Actions also give the audience a visually interesting performance.

At some point in my teaching career, I stumbled upon a song about toy soldiers. It had good “bones” but there were a few elements in the song that didn’t work the way I would have liked. I changed some lyrics, added some theatrical counting to begin and end the song and Midnight March was the result. Thanks to an unknown composer starting this song, I had a song that was a great addition to my concert. It became one of my favourite songs for young singers and I have included it several times over my teaching career, always with happy singers and great audience response.

You Are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing this song with your students - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

Please send us your performance video - we might be able to post it on this page!

Send us your video of Midnight March and perhaps we can post it here.

Soldiers returning to the Donna & Andy website store

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/midnight-march-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 5 Halloween Songs https://donnaandandy.com/product/5-halloween-songs-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/5-halloween-songs-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:38:19 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519029 Pumpkins are ripe and ready to be turned into Jack-o'-lanterns. Costumes are being prepared for Halloween trick or treating excursions.
Music activities that reflect these October activities are filled with opportunities for expressive singing and dramatizations, discussion about costumes, and some fun singing games that spark the imagination of young singers.
I have four favourite songs that I regularly use in my music classroom at this time of year. This five-song collection includes four traditional favourites and one original song  (Jack-o'-lantern) to add to your Halloween song library. There are also a few suggestions for non-Halloween lyrics.

Download Includes:

  • Vocal scores - see samples here
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Teaching Tips

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5 Halloween Songs

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Blog Post - 5 Halloween Songs

Learn more about Donna's most popular 5 Halloween Songs in this blog post.

See also - Dark Night Sky

Donna has composed Dark Night Sky, a song with new, original lyrics using the melody of Ghost of John. Now teachers can use this well-loved minor melody at any time of the year. Donna's suggests planning four classes of instruction time for Dark Night Sky to build a soundscape using melodic and rhythmic ostinati.

Donna's piano accompaniment/arrangement can be used interchangeably with both Dark Night Sky and Ghost of John, extending this Halloween favourite to a musical activity for use at any time of the year. The PDF download includes Donna's teaching tips, ostinato suggestions, vocal part, piano part and accompaniment MP3 (with and without melody guide).

You Are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing these songs with your students - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

Please send us your performance videos as well - we might be able to post them here on this page!

See also Dark Night Sky here

Send us your videos of these Halloween Songs and perhaps we can post them here.

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/5-halloween-songs-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 See You Later, Alligator https://donnaandandy.com/product/see-you-later-alligator-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/see-you-later-alligator-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Sun, 10 Mar 2024 20:16:05 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517997 If you need to say goodbye, this song is a great way to bid someone farewell while remaining cheery! Drawing on the popular children’s goodbye chant, “See you later, Alligator. In a while, Crocodile,” this song uses similar rhyming farewell wishes to create fun lyrics for this 3-verse song. Suggested actions are provided for ensembles wishing to add a visual element to the performance.

Written in a range that spans from C4 – D5, the melody is written in a jaunty swing style that young singers enjoy. See You Later, Alligator may also be sung as a call and response, 2-part song. This is a simple and fun way to start working on part singing with young singers.

Two accompaniment options are available. A piano reduction is provided that supports the vocal line while helping the melody ‘swing’ along. A full band accompaniment is provided creating a fantastic concert performance with a professional backup band giving strong singer support.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead Sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy – performance track
  • Teaching Tips and Strategies
  • Colouring page

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See You Later Alligator

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the tracks for See You Later, Alligator

See You Later, Alligator - Song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

See You Later, Alligator is one of 10 songs from our Donna & Andy CD "A Jolly Bunch Are We". Donna Rhodenizer has written these songs in a variety of styles and skill levels for singers from ages 5-12+.

Learn more about this fun collection. Enjoy! 

Stream and purchase Audio tracks

Stream or Purchase from many streaming sites including: 

Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, Deezer.

The A Jolly Bunch are We  CD (Donna & Andy performance and instrumental) tracks (20) are available for download or physical CD on this website.

Teacher Tips

Teaching Tips


The length of the notes at the ends of phrases is "open for creative interpretation". Younger students may be more comfortable with shorter notes. Older students may be able to manage longer ones. When singing as a unison choir selection, longer notes are easier to sustain. A solo singer may prefer to shorten the notes a bit for vocal stability. When adding call and response or 2-part options, the final notes may be held to overlap the next phrase and create harmony, or you may prefer to get out of the way of the echo part that follows. Be creative, intuitive and let the performing ensemble and individual singers help make your musical decision about the length of the phrase ends! (As a composer, it is sometimes difficult to commit to one option and put it on paper as the final, FINAL and only way to sing something!

Discuss with students various ways to say goodbye. Not all goodbyes are sad or final. Some goodbyes are “for now” and others are more long term. This song has a cheery vibe.

Call and response echoes may be added to every section throughout the song. You may also decide to add the echoes in the choruses, or just in the verses, or a mixture. When deciding where to add echoes, think about building interest and variety into the song. Starting with unison is a good way to present the idea of the song. Adding in the responses in later choruses/verses helps create interest and creates momentum.

Performance Notes

See You Later, Alligator was sung as our all-school farewell finale at the spring concert. We divided the singers into two groups (there were over 200 singers!) and every phrase was sung with an echo. It worked well to add the actions which made it very obvious who was singing each part, and my job share partner led one group and I led the other.

There is a great deal of repetition in the song, so for variety there are other performing options. It works well to begin the song in unison for the opening chorus and first verse. When the chorus returns (in bar 33) divide the choir and begin singing the echoes. (Of course you can also opt to start the echoes in the first verse if you are going for more divisi work).

Continue singing the remainder of the song (choruses and verses) with echoes OR sing all the choruses using echoing and sing the verses in unison. There are lots of combinations!


Actions suggested by the composer  

See you later, Alligator

- one hand wave (or wave both hands above the head)

in a while, Crocodile

- create a crocodile mouth: flat hand on bottom and curved fingers for teeth. Open and close the teeth with the beat.

See you in the elevator

- both hands, palms facing down and at waist level, moving up for two pulses and two pulses back down

Or floating down the Nile

- scoop both hands (palms facing down) in a wave-like motion

There is nothing any ...

- flat hands side to side and crossing (like umpire “safe” signal)

Greater

- two thumbs up

Than to see your cheery smile

- using thumbs up shape, start with thumbs together at your chin and move them upward to “draw” a smile

See you later, Alligator

- wave right hand

In a while, Crocodile

- crocodile teeth

If you gotta say goodbye     

- hands on hips

Here’s a phrase for you to try

- both hands, open and palms up, forward motion like giving the audience an object

Out the door, Dinosaur

- thumbs pointing over shoulders, pulsing with the beat

Bye, bye, Butterfly

- cross hands with palms facing the chest and hook thumbs together to make a flying butterfly

Try a new one when you go

- hand with palm facing down, moving out and away from the body in an upward motion and out to the right (you will do the next action from the ending point of this motion)

Use it with someone you know

- point to various people from right to left

Better shake, Rattlesnake

- shake using “jazz hands”

Gotta go, Buffalo

- add index fingers “buffalo horns”

I will see you here and there

- hand out to one side, palm facing up, on the word “here” and the other hand out to the other side on the word “there”

We will meet again somewhere 

- level hand above eyes like scanning the horizon, move head side to side as you look

I’ll be back,

- both thumbs point over your shoulders on the word “back”

Wolf pack

- both hands slap thighs on the word “pack”

Take care, Polar bear

- on the word “care” right hand crosses the body to rest on left shoulder (stay there). On the word “bear” left hand crosses the body to rest on right shoulder (create a hug)

(final)  "crocodile"

- on sustained final note, move hands from crocodile mouth to open “jazz hands” keeping one hand low and the other high

Bye, Bye!

- wave

Colouring Page - Download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song See You Later, Alligator.

Colouring Page - See You Later, Alligator - song by Donna Rhodenizer - artwork by Richard Bennett

Composer's Notes

See You Later, Alligator

This song was composed as a farewell from me to “my children” the year I retired after 25 years as the music teacher in the same school. It was difficult to make the decision to leave and I wanted to acknowledge the need to say goodbye, but I didn’t want to be sad and forlorn about the process. I had been given a list of “see you later, alligator” sayings by my job-share partner and I had filed it away for later. That list sparked the ideas for the verses of the song.

We had moved into a new school building 8 years before I retired. My new music room was located on the stage, complete with an elevator! (The students and I were always amused to see the elevator door open and see a surprised person who thought they were arriving at the next floor, but found themselves face to face with our music class. We would always greet them and wave them on their way!) In any case, I decided to add that bit of music room “inside joke” by rhyming elevator with alligator. For those who do not reside in rooms with elevators, you will have to pretend that seeing your friend in the elevator or floating down the Nile are just two possibilities of the many places you might bump into each other in the future.

See you later, Alligator!

You Are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing this song and doing the activities with your students - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

Please send us your performing video - we might be able to post it on this page!

Send us your video of See You Later, Alligator and perhaps we can post it here.

See You later Alligator - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - continue shopping image

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/see-you-later-alligator-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 It’s a Busy, Busy Time of Year https://donnaandandy.com/product/its-a-busy-busy-time-of-year-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/its-a-busy-busy-time-of-year-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Wed, 25 Oct 2023 01:13:06 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517189 It’s a Busy, Busy Time of Year captures the sentiment that everyone is “so busy!” as we prepare for the holiday season. The song opens with a phone conversation between two friends. Although they would like to get together to visit, both of them are too busy! As they go their respective ways, the melody breaks into a rousing show tune style that keeps the toes tapping and singers occupied with lots of busy lyrics!

Created for a grade 4-5 elementary school class, It’s a Busy, Busy Time of Year captures the busy feeling of the season, the excitement of shopping and preparing, and it even includes an instrumental section so a drama element can be thrown into the mix. Once students have learned to successfully navigate the tricky, repetitious words, the repetition helps memorization of the song to go quickly.

Listen to melody + accompaniment

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano

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It's a Busy, Busy Time of Year

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for It’s a Busy, Busy Time of Year

It's a Busy, Busy Time of Year - Song Composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics - SAMPLE

Performance Tips

Add brightly coloured presents to your performance. We used one gift for every three students. The gifts were hidden behind their backs while singing the opening of the song. During the instrumental section, students revealed their hidden gifts, passing them from row to row while miming their excitement at seeing friends and exchanging presents. It is a great way to include a bit of drama to a performance, and it lengthens the song without requiring a lot of additional words!

Instead of including gift passing, add some movement to the instrumental section – quiet stepping, scarves, or hand movements.

For the performance at my school, we began the song with two students “talking” to each other using two cans tied together with a string. This was an old game I used to play when I was young! The students thought it was a novel idea (in this day and age of texting!). Alternatively, two students could be chatting by cell phone for the opening sequence.

Add props such as hats and scarves, and some shopping bags filled with presents.

Composer's Notes

It’s a Busy, Busy Time of Year

I was driving and listening to the radio. Someone was being interviewed and the announcer thanked them for agreeing to give their time to do the interview at this “busy, busy time of year.” Later, in the same drive the announcer again said something about this “busy, busy time of year.” The phrase stuck in my head and when I arrived home I started to write this song. It can be very important to “stay tuned” to what is going on around you if you are going to write songs!

My song ended up with a show tune kind of vibe and I was excited to share it with my music students. We had fun trying to figure out the opening telephone sequence. The first detail we needed to clear up is whose voice we should hear first in the phone conversation. We realized that when the phone rings, the first person to speak is not the caller! After that, the back and forth conversation worked out okay. For our performance in the school concert we decided to add gift passing as part of the song. Students entered the performing space with small, colourfully wrapped presents hidden behind their backs. When we arrived at the instrumental section the students pretended to meet and greet friends, miming enthusiasm and passing gifts from row to row. They liked the bouncy tune, they enjoyed being able to add some drama, and the song was a hit!

You Are Invited

You are invited to send us your performance of It’s a Busy, Busy Time of Year.

Maybe your video will be featured here on this page.

When you have enjoyed practicing and performing this song with your students - please drop by again and leave a review on this page. Thanks!

Donna Rhodenizer - Christmas 1977

Composer, Elementary Music Specialist, Performer

Donna Rhodenizer

Donna has invested her creative energy into dozens of school Christmas concerts during her 37 years as an elementary music education specialist. While regular folks at home were putting up lights, decorating trees and wrapping presents, Donna's Decembers involved hanging giant snowflakes for gym decorations, moving sets of risers and sound gear from one end of the school to the other, and joyously teaching songs to her students to perform in the Christmas concert.


After school responsibilities concluded, there were family Christmas events - another flurry of activity! The busy pre-holiday season comes in many shapes and forms. Hopefully your activities bring you joy (and not stress) and you have time to relax and enjoy yourself at this busy, busy time of year!

Send us your video of It's a Busy, Busy Time of Year and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/its-a-busy-busy-time-of-year-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Rap it Up to Go https://donnaandandy.com/product/rap-it-up-to-go-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/rap-it-up-to-go-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Tue, 24 Oct 2023 23:13:04 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517181 If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the North Pole, you can just listen in to a performance of Rap it Up to Go. Santa, the elves and the reindeer are all stepping up their game and getting with the times as they use modern conveniences to help with toy production and delivery these days.

Rap it Up to Go is a fun performance option for hesitant singers. This rhythmic spoken-word presentation requires ensemble work for groups of performers, without any melodic expectations. Add bucket drumming, boomwhackers and other classroom rhythm instruments to create a fun and original accompaniment for your performance.

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lyrics

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Rap it Up to Go

by Donna Rhodenizer

Part of a Song collection

Waiting Patiently for Santa is one of 12 songs from the song collection "It's Christmas Time". Donna Rhodenizer has written these songs in a variety of styles and skill levels for singers from ages 5-12+.

Learn more about this fun collection for elementary-aged kids, choirs and solo vocal students. 

Purchase print copy from Amazon. (please note: audio tracks are not supplied with the Amazon version - stream all tracks here)


It's Christmas Time - Song Collection - Composed by Donna Rhodenizer

Performance Tips

  1. Include bucket drumming, boomwhackers and other percussion instruments
  2. Add costumes
  3. Have a “guest” appearance by Santa as part of the performance
  4. Create images of presents, airplanes and elves to hold up during the performance for visual interest
  5. Ho Ho Ho signs can pop up and back down to accentuate the words

Composer's Notes

Rap it Up to Go

I had a grade 5 class of students who were not interested in singing. They were keen about other music class activities (rhythmic activities, handbells, and recorders) but they were not happy singers. As December concert time rolled around, it was obvious that I needed to offer them something within their comfort zone if they were going to enjoy being part of the all-school concert experience. There must be some advantage to having a composer for a music teacher. So, I created Rap it Up to Go for them and they had great fun learning the words and adding their own special flair to the presentation. I recall they dressed up in sunglasses and did their best to look very “cool” as part of the overall effect. They had fun, the audience loved it and we shared a positive music experience. Personally, I prefer the old-fashioned Christmas vibe, but I had my turn during my childhood. It is great to know that the spirit of Santa is not diminished by sharing him with younger generations in a new way.

You Are Invited

You are invited to send us your performance of Rap it Up to Go.

Maybe your video will be featured here on this page.

When you have enjoyed practicing and performing this song with your students - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

Christmas Gift - artwork by Richard Bennett

Download and colour - enjoy!

Send us your video of Rap it Up to Go and perhaps we can post it here.

Christmas Songs - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

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