Age 10 and up Archives - Donna & Andy

Gramma’s Pajamas

Andy Duinker — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 20:49:12 +0000

0 shares

Share 0

Share this page using these social links!

Gramma's Pajamas

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Gramma's Pajamas.

Part of a song collection

Gramma's Pajamas is one of 12 songs from the award-winning song collection "Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me". 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 123-page book provides the vocal score, full score and separate lyrics pages for 12 songs. Enjoy!

Please note:

Purchase audio tracks separately for the e-book version and Amazon print copies.

Print copies purchased (in North America) from the Donna & Andy website include the CD (24 tracks).

Stream and purchase audio tracks

Stream or Purchase from many streaming sites including:

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

The Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me CD (Donna & Andy performance and instrumental) tracks (24) are available for download or physical CD on this website.

11 - Cross-curricular Activities

11 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, design
Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Technology

Teaching Tips

Teaching Tips

Introduce the song

- Invite students to share a favourite story about their grandmother.

- Discuss the story of this song.

Explore the Score

Find the syncopated rhythms.

Clap the rhythms.

After the teacher claps the rhythm (bar by bar, or in short phrases) have the students echo. This rote approach helps students connect what they hear with the rhythms they are reading.

Explore intervals (octave jumps) and notes affected by accidentals.

Expressive Singing

Use dynamics, facial expression and clear diction to sing expressively as you present this humorous story to your audience.

What emotions will you convey as you sing?

Humor, frustration, exhaustion, etc.

Performance Presentation

Plan what you will do during the instrumental interlude.

- Add hand clapping or foot stomping

- Pantomime Gramma wearing her lacy pajamas and giggling

- Add props like a glass of hot milk or a toy sheep

Colouring Page - Download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song Gramma's Pajamas.

Composer's Notes

Gramma's Pajamas

I grew up in a rambling farmhouse that included two kitchens and two living rooms. This “double house” setup accommodated my grandmother who lived with us for my whole life. It was great to be able to slip over to Gram’s kitchen for a treat or a snack when Mom’s mealtime options didn’t appeal to our taste buds. Gram also usually had a treat or two, including “store boughten” cookies. We considered this a treat, but her homemade chocolate chip cookies were also delicious and certainly worth eating.

Upstairs, a common hall connected all the bedrooms. My bedroom was across the hall from Gram’s. Sometimes Gram snored and it was loud enough that I could hear her from across the hall. Of course she denied being responsible for this nighttime din, but one afternoon when she was napping, my sisters and I crawled on hands and knees into her room to record her magnificent snoring. We presented the evidence to her later. She insisted it wasn’t really her and that we had just made up the recording ourselves.

When I first started writing this song, Gram’s snoring was the inspiration. However, my Gram was a proud and proper lady, and would have been mortified to have anyone know that she snored. So, I replaced the snoring details with lyrics about Gramma giggling from being tickled by the lace on her pink nightie and Gram’s reputation was left intact. Until now, I guess!

This song took a long time to write. I had the idea for the first line of the song in 1992. I couldn’t seem to figure out how I wanted the song to go, and the chorus and melodies for the verses kept getting mixed up. I would work on it and then put it away without completing it. In 2005, we (Donna & Andy) began planning for our Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me CD. I knew the bluegrass style of the song would be a fun addition to our CD and I decided to put on a real push to finish it. The musicians we hired to create the bluegrass instrumental track brought the music alive and the result is one of my favourite tracks on the CD. Sometimes song writing takes a long time. I am glad I kept my scraps of notes and didn’t throw them away. In this case, I think the thirteen-year wait was worth it.

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!

Included in this

12 Song Collection

Send us your video of Gramma's Pajamas and perhaps we can post it here.

The post Gramma’s Pajamas appeared first on Donna & Andy.

Hummy Hummingbirds

Andy Duinker — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:28:30 +0000

0 shares

Share this page using these social links!

Hummy Hummingbirds

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Hummy Hummingbirds.

Teaching Tips

Teaching Tips

Explore the Score

There is a complete descending scale in this song.

Can you find it in the song? (Bar 19)

It also appears again in the outro. (Bar 22)

Can you sing it using solfa syllables?

Sign it as you sing!

There is an octave jump in the song. Find it in the score (bar 6).

Do some octave warm ups to prepare.

Sing a Duet

Sing this song with a friend or with your teacher singing the echo/harmony part.

Improvising

Improvise your own humming melody in the four humming spots.

Hummingbird Facts

I had the idea for the lyrics for this song before I checked to see if hummingbirds make any sound. I was relieved to discover that they do chirp, but they don’t have a vocalized melody. Phew! I can keep the lyrics as I have written them.

Here are other hummingbird facts:

Hummingbird wings can move in a figure 8 pattern and are built for optimum speed and agility.
They are the only birds capable of sustaining hovering, flying backward, and upside-down.
Hummingbird brains are approximately 4.2% of their body weight – the largest of all bird species.
Hummingbird hearts beat about 250 beats per minute at rest, and 1,260 beats per minute in flight.
Hummingbirds have long, thin bills that allow them to reach deep inside flowers.
Hummingbirds are very curious and will fly close to humans to check them out and figure out who they are.

Composer's Notes

Hummy Hummingbirds

I enjoy watching the birds coming and going in my backyard. I have seeds in feeders and a special hummingbird feeder with sugar water. From my kitchen window I am able to see the birds come and go and I find this very entertaining. The hummingbirds are a special guest. They are very tiny and they fly quickly to the feeder and zip away after only a brief few moments. If you want to see a hummingbird at my house you have to watch closely and be in the right spot at the right time. When I am working in the garden or sitting in my lawn chair I can hear the humming of their wings as they flit by. I usually stop what I am doing and stay still so I don’t frighten them away. I also say hello and by the end of the summer, they will stick around even if I am nearby. One year I had a pair of hummingbirds who visited my feeder with their babies!

I was thinking about these tiny birds and the fact that they make a little chirping sound but they don’t “sing” like other birds. I am always interested in unique ways of thinking about things. I wondered if hummingbirds hummed because they didn’t know the words! That was a funny thought and as much inspiration as it took to decide it was worth exploring as a song idea.

I wanted to compose a gentle melody to represent the hummingbird. I created the choruses with humming, which I thought was amusing as well as a good vocal technique for young singers to try. I worked on the words and the melody at the same time and when everything was crafted to my satisfaction, I realized that the phrases could be sung as call and response for most of the song. This is a great way to introduce early part singing to young singers and for them to sing the song as a duet. There are a few spots where true harmony is included, but these sections don’t last long and are quite natural feeling so I think it is still very accessible for young singers. The song works equally well as a solo or as a duet which offers teachers and students a few performance options.

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 Hummy Hummingbirds and perhaps we can post it here.

The post Hummy Hummingbirds appeared first on Donna & Andy.

Royal Recorders

Andy Duinker — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:42:01 +0000

0 shares

Share this page using these social links!

Royal Recorders

by Donna Rhodenizer

Student Book 1

Royal Recorders Student Book 1 is part of a motivational recorder teaching method created for students (grades 4-6) learning to play recorder in elementary school music programs, private music classes, or homeschools. Students are excited and motivated to play the recorder when teachers use the Royal Recorders teaching method.

The Royal Recorders teaching method is fantastic for beginners of all ages and comprehensive enough to use for a two-to-three-year recorder program, with upper levels that challenge advanced players.

Beginning recorder players enjoy playing the Royal Recorders songs that are created to maximize success from the very beginning of the program. There are seven Knight levels in Book 1 presenting new notes and musical elements in 3-4 songs at each level. Songs are simple, musical and interesting. Students play each short song, ensuring that new notes are thoroughly learned before moving on to new musical elements. Students are motivated as each small success is celebrated. These small steps create a strong foundation and promote rapid achievement and improvement.

Accompaniment tracks in a variety of styles (available as downloads) provide support and musical interest, motivating students to play songs multiple times. Accompaniment tracks are offered with a practice speed, supporting the early stages of the students’ efforts. A performance speed track is also provided for performances or as an added challenge in regular class activities.

Song challenges for Levels 1-7 (22 songs)
Explanations for each new musical element presented
Practicing tips
Composing opportunities (at three different Knight levels)
Note-naming Challenges (practice pages)
Care and maintenance of the recorder
Fingering chart
Completion certificate

Songs Include:

(* Original songs by Donna Rhodenizer)

G and A All Day *
He B G Bees *
Baa, Baa, Baa *
One, Two, Skip a Few*
Big Bad G *
Flamenco Flair *
Up and Down *
BAG of Surprises *
Fais dodo - French Folk Song
Over Easy *
Blues-E *
Skin and Bones - Camp Song
Go for a Stroll *
Old MacDonald – Traditional
There's a Hole in My Bucket – Traditional
Lady of the Red Castle *
À la claire fontaine - French Folk Song
Jolly Minstrels *
Day is Done - Camp Song
Cabbage Soup *
Ode to Joy – Beethoven
Oh When the Saints – Traditional

First Song

- Student Book 1

See more playing videos of songs from Student Book 1 below!

Student Book 2

Royal Recorders Student Book 2 is part of a motivational teaching method created for students (grades 4-6) learning to play recorder in elementary school music programs, private music classes, or homeschools. Students are excited and motivated to play recorder when playing songs in the Royal Recorders teaching method.

Students with foundational recorder playing skills (e.g. having completed Royal Recorders Book 1) will enjoy the song challenges presented in Student Book 2. Six Knight levels provide a total of 23 songs, adding new notes and musical elements in a sequential progression. The sequential introduction of skills and step-by step presentation of new notes and theory promote rapid progress and improvement until a very high level of playing proficiency is achieved.

Songs include well-known folk and traditional tunes, classical works, and Donna Rhodenizer’s original songs. Longer songs, more complex forms, plus the addition of stylistic elements such as phrasing and dynamics, add to the musicality of the Book 2 repertoire. A wider range of notes expands the complexity as well as the variety of songs offered. At the conclusion of all 13 Royal Recorders levels, students should be able to play simple music written in C, F, G, D and A major and their relative minor keys. Their foundational understanding of music theory and reading notes also makes them well prepared as they move on to band programs.

Students have two opportunities to create an original composition. Applying theory they have learned and using their playing skills to play an original composition creates ownership and a real sense of purpose within the context of learning to play the recorder.

Accompaniment tracks in a variety of styles (available as downloads) provide support and musical interest, motivating students to play songs multiple times. Two tracks are provided: a practice speed, supporting the early stages of playing, and a performance speed for concerts or as an added challenge in regular class activities. The accompaniment tracks are particularly useful at this advanced level when students are providing complex and musical contributions at community events and concerts.

Provides continued development for second-year students and more advanced players

Song challenges for levels 8-13 (23 songs)
Explanations for each new element presented
Practice tips
Composing opportunities (at two different Knight levels)
Note-naming Challenges (practice pages)
Recorder Care and Maintenance
Fingering chart
Completion certificate

Songs Include:

(* Original songs by Donna Rhodenizer)

Moravian Folk Tune - Folk song
Still Waters *
Twilight *
Morning - Grieg
Birch Tree (duet) - Tchaikovsky
Sharp as a Tack *
English Melody - Kingsfold
Merry Branle - Arbeau
C Major Scale - Baroque style
Scarborough Fair - English ballad
My Paddle - Embers McGee
What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor? - Trad. Sea Shanty
Music Alone Shall Live (canon) - Folk song
Un Canadien Errant (duet) - Gérin-Lajoie/arr. Rhodenizer
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - Spiritual
Let’s Catch a Rooster (canon) - Trad.
Donna’s Aire *
Scotland the Brave - Trad.
Down by the Sally Gardens - Folk song
Ash Grove - Trad.
Celtic Winter *
Early One Morning - Folk song
Little Burnt Potato - Trad./Boyd

First Song

- Student Book 2

See more playing videos of songs from Student Book 2 below!

Teacher Guide

Teacher Guide includes - Teaching strategies to prepare and practice each song - 6 lesson plans for introducing recorder to your students - How to use motivational Class Castles and Knight Certificates - Tables for tracking student progress - MP3 accompaniment tracks information chart (intros, outros, style, speed, etc.) - Chart with songs listed alphabetically.

Royal Recorders Teacher Guide supports teachers as they use the Royal Recorders motivational recorder teaching method created for students (grades 4-6) learning to play recorder in elementary school music programs, private music classes, or homeschools. Students are excited and motivated to play the recorder when teachers use the Royal Recorders teaching method.

The Royal Recorders teaching method is fantastic for beginners of all ages and comprehensive enough to use for a two-to-three-year recorder program, with upper levels that challenge advanced players. Students are engaged and eager, working their way through 13 Knight levels of the Royal Recorders program, learning 45 songs along the way. They also compose five of their own compositions using the notes and theory they have learned.

Comprehensive Teaching Method
Teachers are supported as they teach recorder with this comprehensive teaching method. The step-by-step approach of Royal Recorders, with sequential presentation of new notes and musical elements, promotes rapid achievement and improvement. Students are excited to play and love celebrating their success with each new song.

Teaching Strategies and Lesson Plans
The teacher guide is like having a personal mentor

30 pages of suggestions and teaching strategies for every step in the recorder teaching process.
Detailed foundational lesson plans give the teacher the tools they need to provide solid instruction for beginner recorder players.
Specific "prepare and practice activities" are provided for new elements as they are introduced in each Knight level.
See the Teacher Guide Table of Contents here

Composing hints and teaching strategies

Teachers are supported as they lead students through composing activities.
Guidelines and composing strategies aid the teacher as they encourage students to use what they know to create their own compositions. This is an empowering exercise for young musicians.

The Teacher Guide has 176 pages packed with support for the teacher:

Teaching strategies
Composing hints and strategies
Classroom management tips
Foundational lesson plans
Activities to prepare and practice new elements appearing in the song challenges
Printable certificates
Incentives (class castles, Knight certificates)
Student tracking charts
Printable student pages (certificates, note-naming sheets, etc.)
Fingering charts
All student pages are included in the Teacher Guide for easy reference

Print Copy of the Teacher Guide is available on Amazon

Printed Copies of Royal Recorders Books

Print Copies (in North America) - use this order form

Print copies are also available on Amazon (world wide).

Get Your Student Book 1 Student Book 2 Teacher Guide

Go to Donna's Amazon Author Page to see more of Donna's books.

Accompaniment Tracks

MP3 accompaniment tracks are central to the delivery of the Royal Recorders program.

- Accompaniments (in a variety of styles) add excitement to the foundational, simple 2-note songs. See student recorder playing videos below.

- Accompaniments provide support for more difficult songs

- Each song has two accompaniment tracks; a slower practice speed track and a faster speed accompaniment track for performances.

- Get the accompaniment tracks above in the Royal Recorders Product Options. Look for options 4, 5 or 6.

Permission is given to download MP3s in the best format for you AND your students (phones, computers, Google Classroom, etc.). Students are encouraged to use these tracks outside of class time as well.

Tutorial Videos

Tutorial Videos

Enjoy 63 tutorial videos that have been created to support each song in the Royal Recorders teaching method. These videos may be used for student support in a variety of teaching settings (homeschool, elementary music class, private studio, etc.). These videos are posted on an unlisted YouTube playlist with purchasers having access via the private link provided.

Choose option "9. Tutorial Videos" from the Royal Recorders Product Options above to access all 63 Royal Recorders Tutorial Videos.

Student Incentives

Student Incentives

Use these student incentives (Class Castles and Knight Certificates) to motivate and support students as they work toward achieving their Royal Recorders playing goals.

Choose option "10. Student Incentives" from the Royal Recorders Product Options above to access all student incentives information.

Composer's Notes

Royal recorders

For a long time, I taught recorder by rote. My students learned the mechanics of how to play and letter names were used to “notate” simple quarter and half note songs. Students were excited to be able to play songs but they were really learning to do so by rote or by ear. I was job sharing with a teacher who discovered Recorder Karate. The students learned simple songs and for each song they were able to play, they were rewarded with karate belts. They were very proud to have a variety of coloured tassles hanging from their recorders.

This program inspired me to create my own songs and a more comprehensive, foundational series of songs to develop both note reading and mechanical facility with the recorder. Living in Kings county, Nova Scotia made it a natural fit to move into the world of castles and knights. Students were given song challenges with the immediate reward of adding their name to a class castle each time they had mastered a song. Three songs resulted in receiving the designation of a knight, with different colours for each level. They received a certificate and a flag (tassle) for their recorder. With three songs for every level, now the students learned more songs with each new note and their skill level deepened and became much more internalized.

Students were excited to see all the names that were being added to the class castles. In order to achieve the right to add their names, testing of songs was required. Students knew that they really had to play the song correctly in order to pass the song challenge. Students started asking peers for help outside of class time. Outside on the playground, the sound of recorders could be heard at every recess and noontime break. Students were asking their friends to help them learn songs they had heard in higher levels, but that we had not started in class. Clandestine peer-to-peer teaching was taking place and the students thought they were getting away with something. I was delighted. They were taking charge of their own learning and they wanted MORE songs!

I usually begin recorders in grade 4 and finish with them in grade 5. My students were excited about the songs they were playing and when they learned all the songs I thought we could cover in two years, they were still asking for more. I think I expanded the number of knight levels and the difficulty of the pieces three times before I arrived at the final iteration of Royal Recorders as it is today. When I had grade 6 students added to my teaching responsibilities the students were delighted to have the opportunity to play recorders for another year. We played duets, we added alto recorders, we had students learn O Canada in a three part arrangement and they were invited to play for the annual teacher’s retirement banquet. That was a real honour, and even more amazing since most people think recorders are only good for playing Hot Cross Buns and that they sound terrible. My group of top grade 6s did an amazing job and the audience was blown away. What a great success story!

There are many, many recorder stories I could tell, but I will close with two more. Firstly, My students loved playing with the accompaniment tracks. They make even simple two-note songs sound great and it is motivating to play when it sounds good. I knew this was going to be a hit when we played the song “He B G Bees” and as the final notes of the accompaniment faded away, a student asked, “Can we play it again?” Now THAT is music to the music teacher’s ear!

As the program developed and more and more students wanted to play song challenge tests, it became clear that I couldn’t keep up with testing individual students at recess and noon. There were just too many kids ready and anxious to play and not enough time to hear them all. We came up with the plan that students could submit a playing test via video. The beauty of this system was that I could listen to playing tests at home (with my feet up and sitting by the fire), I could listen to a test more than once if needed, I had time to give productive feedback, and students were taking time at home to prepare their video tests. Their families heard them practicing and helped with the videos and therefore became involved in the music development of the students. Siblings, parents and grandparents were pressed into service as camera assistants and they also weighed in on whether or not they thought the song was ready to present. I know that students did many video takes before settling on the one they would submit (that is called practicing!) and they were very proud to submit their videos. One day I got an email from a mom who was anxiously awaiting the results from a playing test that had been submitted. She emailed me to ask about the results of the song challenge. She just couldn’t wait until the end of the school day to hear if “they” had passed. When kids are supported at home and they know that what they are doing has worth, it is truly inspiring to see what can be accomplished.

I love teaching recorder. I love seeing the kids being excited when they can play fast songs, beautiful songs, tricky songs and to play them well. I love seeing them so motivated to play and learn and to add to their knowledge. What a great gift that is. They make my castle an exciting place to be!

Note-Naming Worksheets

Note-naming Worksheets (challenges) are designed as a 1-2 minute speed activity for the beginning or end of music class. The challenge of beating your own best score keeps things fun (sort of!) and the briefness of the activity keeps students from feeling frustrated when they are impatient to get to the recorder playing part of music class. Note-naming challenges are included in Student Book 1 and Student Book 2. Encourage students to do their challenges at home for even quicker improvement. Extra printable note-naming worksheets / challenges (student practice pages) are available here.

Recorder Fingering Charts

Fingering charts are included in Student Book 1 and 2 as well as the Teacher Guide. However, sometimes an extra copy comes in handy. Check out the free downloadable fingering chart here.

There is also information to help teachers and students determine if they are using an English/Baroque recorder or a German recorder. This information is important because the high and low F and F# fingerings are played differently on each of these recorders.

Find information about English/Baroque recorder or German recorders here.

About Your Recorder

There are two types of recorders: English/Baroque or German. The hole sizes vary between these two recorder types and that affects which fingerings are used for certain notes (specifically F and F#).

For information about how to identify which recorder you are using, go here.

Information about ordering recorders, what brand to choose, and how to care for your recorder is available as a PDF download here.

Performance Videos

Check out some of the Royal Recorders Knights / student recorder playing performances below.

You Are Invited

When you have enjoyed seeing the videos and learning about the Royal Recorders Program - please drop by again and leave a Review on this page. Thanks!

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

Sample

Tutorial Videos – enjoy 63 tutorial videos that have been created to support each song in the Royal Recorders teaching method. Scroll up to Royal Recorders Product Options to access all tutorial videos (includes one for each song) in the program

Enjoy these Royal Recorders playing videos!

Watch these video samples of students (Royal Recorders Knights) (or Donna) playing each song in the Royal Recorders program with the performance-speed accompaniment tracks.

The printed music is included in the videos so you can have fun playing along. Enjoy!

Student Book 1

White Knight (level one)

Yellow Knight (level 2)

Orange Knight (level 3)

Green Knight (level 4)

Purple Knight (level 5)

Turquoise Knight (level 6)

Blue Knight (level 7)

Student Book 2

Red Knight (level 8)

Pink Knight (level 9)

Brown Knight (level 10)

Black Knight (level 11)

Silver Knight (level 12)

Gold Knight (level 13)

Bonus - Super Knight

Send us your videos of Royal Recorders performances and perhaps we can post them here.

The post Royal Recorders appeared first on Donna & Andy.

Deo / Sing Together / Winter, Winter

Andy Duinker — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:10:53 +0000

0 shares

Deo / Sing Together / Winter, Winter

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide or the Donna & Andy band track for Deo / Sing Together / Winter, Winter.

Piano + melody guide

Donna & Andy band - instrumental track

Part of a Song Collection

Deo 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

Stream and Purchase Audio Tracks

Stream or Purchase Deo (It's Christmas Time CD) from many streaming sites including:

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

The Donna & Andy CD: It's Christmas Time includes performance and instrumental tracks (20). Available for download or physical CD on this website.

Teacher Tips

To assist with successful presentation of the quickly moving lyrics in the B sections of this song, divide the ensemble into two parts. Sing bars 50-65 as call and response with one group singing the whole note “calls” and the remainder of the group singing the eighth-note responses.

Add body percussion

Include a clapping pattern/motion in the choruses to add visual interest to the performance.

NOTE: Donna has created a clapping pattern that works well with the song. Complete instructions for each lyric variation are included in the download.

Create your own clapping pattern/motion to enhance your performance.

Add scarves

Create visual excitement in your performance by adding scarves to your presentation.

Many vibrant colours add to the celebratory feel of the lyrics.
White scarves can be used to represent snow.

Create your own movement patterns.

When adding any type of “choreography”, create shape within the form of the piece

Begin the song without any movement
Add scarves or movement as the lyrics repeat to create momentum within the song.
Add scarves or other movement in the choruses or verses, but not both, to complement the contrasts between sections of the song.

Composer's Notes

Deo

A recurring theme in my composer’s notes is the fact that I would write a song because I needed repertoire for a school concert or other school event. This was the case for Deo, but there is also a back story that goes with this song.

As a young teacher putting together concert programs for my students, I enjoyed including an all-school finale for the ending of the concert. Particularly in schools with smaller populations, it was fun to have a large group of students singing together. At one point, I took a job at a larger school where I found out that Christmas concerts were historically long, drawn-out affairs. Because of this, parents were in the habit of leaving with their kids as soon as the class song had been sung. Here was the opportunity to use my all-school finale songs to their fullest advantage. In addition to having the great sound of all those combined voices, an all-school finale meant that all students were involved in the final song of the concert, so parents needed to stay!

Deo was written as the all-school finale for my first concert at this new school. I knew I needed something dramatic and worth waiting for. I also had to have something that was simple enough for the youngest students to sing while being musically interesting for the older students. The driving rhythm of Deo kept things exciting, the simple repetitive words in the opening chorus were easy to remember and more difficult words in the contrasting B section were handled by the older singers. In addition to these musical choices, I included simple hand clapping “choreography” which created visual interest and pizzazz.

The concert finale was a hit! Students loved singing Deo and the audience perceptibly gasped at the flashy ending of the song. That first Christmas concert finale became a tradition that I continued through my entire career – with new songs needing to be written in subsequent years, of course!

We recorded Deo on the Donna & Andy CD: It’s Christmas Time. We were delighted to be joined by a full choir and absolutely wonderful instrumentalists to create a smoking track for the recording. The instrumental track turned out to be a super accompaniment for use with young singers in schools.

The original Deo, with its more sacred lyrics, was included in the Christmas cantata I composed for my local church. This song has had quite a musical journey.

In subsequent years, as school concerts moved away from any reference to anything considered to be sacred, music teachers began asking me for lyric adaptations that were more generic. Those requests resulted in two variations for this song: Sing Together and Winter, Winter. In addition, the winter version of the song has a B section that is less busy lyrically and easier for younger singers, while still fitting with the original accompaniment. Deo has been around for a long time now and in a variety of forms!

You are invited

When you have enjoyed singing these songs with your students and choirs - 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 videos of Deo, Sing Together or Winter, Winter and perhaps we can post them here.

The post Deo / Sing Together / Winter, Winter appeared first on Donna & Andy.

Sing a Song of Peace

Andy Duinker — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:32:05 +0000

0 shares

Share this page using these social links!

Sing a Song of Peace

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Sing a Song of Peace.

Teaching Tips

Expressive singing

Sing expressively to present the theme of peace and the reflective mood of the song.

Discuss dynamics, facial expression, legato phrases and treatment of interval jumps that must be sung accurately without sticking out.

Score Study

Sing a Song of Peace is written in ABA form. Explore the score to determine where each section begins and ends.
Sing the melody line and/or the descant harmony line using solfege syllables and/or hand signs.
Discuss where the phrases begin and end. While singing, move one hand in an arc to represent the shape of the phrase that is being sung.

Adding harmony

There are two opportunities to add harmony, using instruments (handbells, hand chimes or Orff instruments such as metallophones) or by singing.

After the students are comfortable with the melody of the B Section, introduce the descant line by playing the line on the piano while all singers are singing the melody in unison.

Choose a few students to play or to sing the descant line. Keep it light and complimentary to the melody without being overpowering.

Composer's Notes

Sing a Song of Peace

I got an email from Joanna, my former job-share partner. In her current school she was starting a Grade 4-5 choir. The first rehearsal was approaching, and she wanted something fun and exciting to pique the interest of the students and get them enthused to join the choir. She also needed something for them to sing for Remembrance Day with a short window to prepare something. I was inspired to sit at the piano and write her a simple song with a focus on peace. I knew she had handchimes at her school and I also know that kids love to play them. What better way to inspire kids to join the choir than to give them a chance to get their hands on the handchimes. I also Included a short section with a simple descending harmony line for a nice taste of harmony that the students would easily be able to sing and it would come together and sound good quickly.

By the time I met with Joanna the next day, I had a song written with separate vocal parts and handbell scores ready for copying and distribution to her choir singers. It was fun to be writing for young elementary choir singers. Having a specific theme also helps narrow the creative process from endless possibilities to something far more manageable. After the initial writing for the elementary singers, I couldn’t resist creating an arrangement for choirs who are able to manage more two-part singing (and eliminating the niche of having handbells or handchimes). Once again, a simple song will end up with several arrangement variations so that music teachers and choir directors have options. It makes their musical lives less complicated and my composing life more complicated, but creating music is still a terrific way to pass the time!

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 Sing a Song of Peace and perhaps we can post it here.

The post Sing a Song of Peace appeared first on Donna & Andy.

Hello Ghostie!

Andy Duinker — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:37:32 +0000

0 shares

Share this page using these social links!

Hello Ghostie!

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Hello Ghostie!.

Art Song style

Teaching Tips

Teaching Tips

Style study

Hello Ghostie! is written with two different accompaniment styles.

Sea Shanty style

The song has a jaunty, rollicking feel with heavy chordal accompaniment.

How will the story be presented in this style?

Art Song Style

Hello Ghostie! is also provided with an accompaniment written in an art song style.

How will the song be sung differently within this style?

Singers should sing expressively in both accompaniment styles.

Expressive singing

Dramatic interpretation and expressive singing can be incorporated in the responses to the ghost at the door.

Sing “Hello Ghostie” different ways:

bravely
anxiously
curiously

When singing repeated lyrics “Hello Ghostie. How are you today?” each chorus can be sung with the same emotional response, or singers may choose to sing each response with a different emotion each time.

See the “Singer’s Notes” included with the PDF download. The composer, Donna Rhodenizer, has written instructions to the singers who will be interpreting the song.

Add percussion

The purpose of a sea shanty was to have a song that could be sung while doing tasks such as pulling rigging ropes when sailors would need to work together. Singing songs with a strong and steady beat provided the reference for all the sailors to pull at the same time, therefore being most efficient and productive.

Add percussion to Hello Ghostie! The PDF download includes specific percussion suggestions to try. Singers also are invited to create a percussion part to include in the performance.

Composer's Notes

Hello Ghostie!

Halloween songs can be a great teaching tool. They often include minor tonalities, lots of “oohs” and other sound effects, and topics that are mysterious and fun to sing. These songs tie in with the anticipation children experience leading up to Halloween festivities at the end of October. However, in my music classroom some students didn’t partake in any Halloween observances. Ghosts in particular are a sticky subject. Are they real? Are they just stories? Some kids believe strongly, other do not and others are not sure. Where does my responsibility lie when students look to me for opinions?

Hello Ghostie! was written as a way of giving young singers some tools for dealing with ghosts in general. Not to present ghosts as scary, horror-movie kind of creatures, but acting like regular people by walking up to a house and knocking on the door to have a visit. How would you react if you heard a knock at the door and when you opened it, a ghost was standing there? There are certainly a variety of possible reactions and I explored both afraid and brave responses for different verses. This makes for an interesting expressive singing exercise for singers. How will they sing a chorus with the same words but conveying different emotions? Will they sing each repetition of “Hello Ghostie” with changing emotions or keep it all the same within each chorus? I also composed the ending with room for interpretation. The singer must decide if they finish with brave confidence or maybe after all their bravado, a few doubts are still lingering and they aren’t quite sure of the outcome.

Composing the accompaniment for Hello Ghostie! was an interesting journey. Sea shanty songs are popular with young singers (and older ones too!) and this song fit that style very well. That is the style I wanted for my song. However, when I first framed out the accompaniment, I wrote out simple chords, basically to get the chord structure. This was a more sedate musical style and it also works well with the song. That meant I had to decide – but then again, maybe not! I decided to provide both accompaniment versions so singers can decide which accompaniment suits their needs. It also creates a neat learning experience to compare two styles of accompaniment that make a song sound different, even though the melody and words are exactly the same for both versions. I am always interested in encouraging musical exploration and creativity.

I like writing songs where the singer has the opportunity to make musical decisions about their performance – which should happen every time someone sings, but often does not. It is one of the most difficult things I do as a composer to commit myself to one specific interpretation of a song. There are so many options and there are reasons to include or omit different dynamics in a song. In the teaching tips for this song, I included specific notes written to the singer instructing them to make the song their own by adding the dynamics they think work best, even if that means ignoring what I wrote in the score. It will be interesting to experience a variety of performances of this song as it develops its own personality in the singing world.

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 Hello Ghostie! and perhaps we can post it here.

The post Hello Ghostie! appeared first on Donna & Andy.

It’s Christmas Time + It’s Winter Time

Andy Duinker — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:29:30 +0000

0 shares

Share this page using these social links!

It's Christmas Time

It's Winter Time

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for It's Christmas Time & It's Winter Time.

Part of a song collection

It's Christmas Time is one of 11 songs from the award-winning song collection It's Christmas Time. Donna Rhodenizer has written these songs in a variety of styles and skill levels in both French and English for singers age 5-12+.

Learn more about this fun collection for elementary-aged kids, choirs and solo vocal students. The 146-page book provides the vocal score, full score and separate lyrics pages for 11 songs. Enjoy!

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

It's Christmas Time song collection is also available on Amazon.

Stream and purchase audio tracks

Stream or Purchase the It's Christmas Time tracks from many streaming sites including: Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, Deezer.

Donna & Andy have yet to record It's Winter Time.

The It's Christmas Time CD and tracks (Donna & Andy performance and instrumental tracks - 22) are available for download or physical CD on this website.

Teaching Tips

Use this song to work on expressive singing.
Discuss the necessity of clear diction to present the text in the rapidly moving eighth note sections.
In a choral setting, use staggered breathing to accommodate the long, uninterrupted phrases indicated in the music.
Solo singers need to plan breathing spots that will satisfy the need to breathe while accommodating the flow of the phrases. Add breath marks to the score to assist with consistent practice.
When working on the long phrases, have singers move their hand in an arc to show the shape of the phrases.
Decide what to do during the instrumental verse. In addition to the option of including a solo instrument, this section can include gentle movement using scarves or humming the melody line.
If using an accompanist (rather than the recorded instrumental track) it is also acceptable to skip the instrumental section from rehearsal letter D – rehearsal letter E.

Colouring page - download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song It's Christmas Time.

See more free colouring pages below

Composer's Notes

It's Christmas Time

I have been inspired to write many of my compositions to fill repertoire needs for my students throughout the school year. I wrote this song for one of the many, many school Christmas concerts I planned and presented with my elementary school students. It is a lot of work to put on a school concert with over 500 students, but it was one of my favourite things to do during my 35-year career as a music education specialist. The grade 4-5 elementary choir was the group that took on this challenging piece of music with its plethora of lyrics and quickly moving eighth note passages that required extra attention to diction. I am pleased to recall that they did a super job at the concert. As the years progressed, Christmas concerts often included more winter-themed songs to accommodate students who didn’t celebrate Christmas. New lyrics were created and “It’s Winter Time” found its way into concert rotation. I am always pleased to offer my teaching colleagues options so that my music is as versatile and useful as possible. Giving teachers the option to choose either Christmas or winter lyrics is one way to offer this versatility.

In 2006, when recording our Donna & Andy CD: It’s Christmas Time, my son Benjamin and Andy’s niece, Oriana played French horns for this song. These two young players did such a super job adding that magical horn sound to our recording. It has a special place in my heart as one of my favourite Christmas songs.

You're Invited

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

Send us your video of It's Christmas Time or It's Winter Time and perhaps we can post it here.

Free - download coloring pages for lots of Christmas Fun!

Free Download - 3 Christmas Coloring Pages

The post It’s Christmas Time + It’s Winter Time appeared first on Donna & Andy.

Splashing in the Puddles

Andy Duinker — Fri, 02 May 2025 17:18:01 +0000

0 shares

Share this page with your Teacher Friends 0

Share this page using these social links!

Splashing in the Puddles

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio Sample

Listen to melody + accompaniment for Splashing in Puddles as you follow along with the lyrics.

Remember, in the verses, each phrase is echoed for this 2-part version

Part of a song collection

Splashing in the Puddles 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)

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.

Teaching tips

Score study

Discuss what it means to “swing the eighths”. Find examples of two eighth notes that are affected by this directive.

Find bars in the score where the rhythm of the melody is syncopated. The eighth note on the second half of beat three is tied to the fourth beat of the bar. Accenting the second half of beat three gives the feeling of “arriving early” on the final word in the bar.

Expressive singing

Determine spots where a breath will need to be quick and where longer space is available. Longer phrases require breath energy to be conserved. Some phrases will need a quick breath that supports the phrase without making it sound disjointed.

Use clear diction, dynamics and subtle facial and/or hand movements to sing this song expressively.

The overall feeling of the song is optimistic and cheery.

Props

An umbrella, or a pair of boots can be a fun prop to add to a performance of “Splashing in the Puddles”. Be sure that your props enhance the performance without being too distracting.

20 cross-curricular activities

20 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, dance
Language arts
Math
Social studies
Science
Technology

Colouring page

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song Splashing in the Puddles.

Composer's Notes

I like finding ways of presenting points of view that might be a bit thought provoking. I also tend to be someone who looks at things with an optimistic “glass half full” kind of attitude. Many times we are inclined to observe a rainy day as dismal and a disappointment. But what if you had a pair of boots, a raincoat, and an umbrella ready to use on such a day? Suddenly the prospect of a rainy day has lots of potential for interesting activities like splashing in puddles, running through the raindrops without getting wet, and enjoying that rain! I also thought about how we like cooling off on a hot summer day by going for a swim. But what’s the difference if we get wet by jumping in the lake or if we get wet by letting the rain fall on us?

A jaunty, swinging melody seemed appropriate for these rainy-day musings. I even threw in a reference to the phrase “rain come back some other day” that every child knows from the children’s chant, Rain, Rain Go Away. This was a fun song to write and my students enjoyed singing it as a call and response song. In later years, when more voice students started using my songs, it seemed like a good idea to create a version that could be sung as a solo. This song is a celebration of what kids know and what adults sometimes forget. Playing in the rain can be fun, and after all, that IS what rubber boots are for…… isn’t it?

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!

More Rain Songs, Stories and Activities

Learn more about Donna's song

It's Raining Cats and Dogs here

Send us your video of Splashing in the Puddles and perhaps we can post it here.

The post Splashing in the Puddles appeared first on Donna & Andy.

Freebie – Tongue Twisters

Andy Duinker — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 01:14:16 +0000

0 shares

Share this page with your Teacher Friends 0

Share this page using these social links!

Tongue Twisters - freebie

by Donna Rhodenizer

The benefits of tongue twisters

Tongue twisters are a good fit for older elementary singers.

The simple melody and musical form of a tongue twister is at an attainable skill level.
The challenge is learning to accurately sing the tongue-twisting text.
Tongue twisters can spice up vocal warm ups.
Spoken tongue twisters are a fun way to warm up before introducing a song.

Spoken tongue twisters

Spoken tongue twisters are a great ice breaker activity, providing a fun challenge and encouraging participation even from hesitant students.

Tongue twisters are a great warm-up activity at the beginning of a music class or choir rehearsal. Tongue twisters encourage

clear diction
expressive delivery of the words

Both of these are excellent skills for singers to develop.

Tongue twisters can be done individually or with others. In a group setting, reticent participants will have the support of their peers as everyone tries to successfully navigate the tricky word combinations. There will always be one student who wants to step up and be in the limelight and be the “star” by doing a tongue twister as a solo effort. Some students will surprise the class by being able to execute a tongue twister flawlessly. For others, when the inevitable slipups happen, everyone has a good laugh, and second (or third!) chances are appreciated.

Use tongue twisters at the beginning of class as a warm-up or as a fun end-of-class activity.
Invite students to suggest their favourite tongue twisters to include in your collection. They love it when “their” tongue twister is chosen and someone in the class tries to say it.
Add dynamic changes to tongue twisters to add even more challenge!
Use a metronome when the class says a tongue twister. Say the tongue twister with the steady beat of the metronome. Set a faster speed and try it again. Keep a record of the fastest accurate speed and have students try to beat that speed at their next music class.
Create your own tongue twisters!

Fun tongue twister Activities

Tongue Twister Challenge

(Thanks to Nikki Loney, FULL VOICE Music for this idea.)

Create slips of paper with selected tongue twisters.
Put the strips of paper in a container.
At the beginning of the music lesson, draw out a tongue twister that will be the challenge of the day. For online lessons, the teacher may reach into the jar and pull out a slip when the student says, “STOP”. Add a dramatic lead up to the extraction of the tongue twister to create suspense and anticipation.

Initially, the teacher may choose the tongue twisters included in the jar. However, students enjoy adding their own favourite tongue twisters to the collection.

To get your jar started, a list of two dozen tongue twisters is provided in this freebie.

Create Your Own Tongue Twisters

Have students create their own tongue twisters. To do this “from scratch” is quite difficult. Rather than come up with a completely unique tongue twister, facilitate the process by using a tongue twister generator. A tongue twister generator takes a known tongue twister and provides specific, alternate word choices that can be used to create an alternate version.

e.g., choose words from the table to change this tongue twister:

Students love to create their own tongue twister combinations and challenge each other.

Who can successfully navigate the twisty words?

Who can make the most difficult combination?

Creating a tongue-twister generator is not an easy task. A great tongue twister generator has been created by a teaching colleague of mine, and she has graciously given me permission to share it here.

TONGUE TWISTER GENERATOR created by Jennifer Trites.

Download the PDF at:

https://melodiousintent.wordpress.com/2022/01/10/tongue-twister-generator/

Sing tongue twisters

Tongue twisters can also be sung. Adding a melodic element to the tongue twister certainly “ups the ante” for the participants. The fun and challenge of successfully navigating the words can take the focus off the fact that students are actually singing.

Singing tongue twisters is a great warm-up activity.

Any one-line tongue twister can be used as a warm-up by singing the tongue twister once on each degree of the scale. Singing a complex tongue twister can make slow scale singing more interesting and even fun!

Singing tongue-twister songs are great additions to general music classes. More complex tongue-twister songs can be used as performance pieces. Make sure the words are enunciated clearly so the audience can understand the lyrics!

Donna Rhodenizer - tongue twisters to sing

More Tongue Twisters to Sing and Purchase

This collection of 5 Tongue Twisters can be spoken or sung and they can be used as a challenge, a game, a warm-up, and for fun. They are a great tool for working on pronunciation and expressive delivery of text.

Pass the Pasta is a two-verse tongue twister that can be spoken or sung. Use it as a challenge, a game, a warm-up or just for fun. It is a great tool for working on pronunciation and expressive delivery of text.

Seven Sassy Sailors enjoy sailing the seven salty seas until they run into trouble and sink their schooner. Their sorry state is reflected by a switch to the minor key. Do not worry, they send an S.O.S, they are rescued, and the song finishes on a happy note.

Witch Watches is a twisty witch tale that fits with a Halloween theme, however, singers will enjoy singing this song at any time of the year.

Fish Wishes is a delightful tongue-twisting tale of two fishes caught in the dilemma of how to share the three wishes they have been granted. They are happy to each have a wish, but how will they share the third wish?

Try this notoriously difficult, but hilariously fun tongue twister warm-up:

Pretty, Itty, Bitty, Kitty Unicorn (by Donna Rhodenizer & Nikki Loney) - on the Full Voice Music website.

You are Invited

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

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

Send us your videos of your tongue twisters and perhaps we can post them here.

The post Freebie – Tongue Twisters appeared first on Donna & Andy.

We Are

Andy Duinker — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:32:07 +0000

0 shares

Share this page with your Teacher Friends 0

Share this page using these social links!

We Are

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio Sample

Listen to this grade 4-5 elementary choir performing We Are as you follow along with the lyrics.

Listen to this piano + band sample

as you follow along with the lyrics.

Rehearsal tips

Warm-up

Use the opening 16 bars of We Are as a warm-up exercise.

Have students sing a sustained note on the pitch A, using the syllable “ooh”.

Students should listen to the singers around them and match both the pitch as well as working on blending voices to create a unified sound.
Have students cup their hands behind their ears, creating “elephant ears”. This makes it easier for the singer to hear their own voice while still keeping their ears open to the voices around them.
Concentrate to stay on the “A” pitch while the piano chords shift tonalities against the sustained pitch. Sometimes the A will fit in the chord and sometimes the A will be dissonant. Lean into the dissonances and embrace the tone colour that is created.
Sing softly and create a shimmering, beautiful sound. There should not be any voices that stick out.
Use stagger breathing to create the illusion of a single, sustained note.

Expressive singing

The message of this song is one of hope, encouraging all of us to aspire to the best that we can be for ourselves and the world in which we live.

Use expressive singing techniques to emphasize the lyrics and present an expressive performance (i.e. dynamics, diction, facial expressions, emphasis on certain words, etc.)
The key change at bar 63 creates a natural contrast to the previous section. Use expressive singing to further emphasize this contrast.
The return to the original key in bar 79 is presented with a dynamic change to mezzo piano. Use this quiet dynamic to return to the shimmering quality created in the opening bars.
Use the increasing dynamic levels to build the intensity of the song until it reaches full strength in the final bars.

Composer's Notes

I have always been very vocal (no pun intended!) about my love of working with my elementary school choir. Choir rehearsal was my favourite day of the week. The joy of creating music with a large group of students, excited about singing, ready to take on challenges and sing “something fun, something difficult and something beautiful” filled my bucket!

I love developing the feeling of camaraderie and teamwork within the choir as well. Some choir members are students who excel and who have extraordinary abilities and skills. Other students struggle in many of their daily school subjects. When they all come together and sing, they become a unified team, leaning on each other for support with everyone sharing in the successes we enjoy as a singing ensemble.

It was with all these emotions swirling in my soul that I put pen to paper to create a “power anthem” for my choir to sing. I wanted them to sing for themselves all those big emotions and internalize the idea that they were strong, able to affect change and be a presence in the world. The result was “We Are” which they sang with heartfelt emotion and joy. I loved those kids and we all loved singing together. What a gift that is!

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!

Inspiration for We Are

Listen to the vocal warm-up (0:00 - 1:39) that inspired the opening bars of Donna's song, We Are

Send us your video of We Are and perhaps we can post it here.

The post We Are appeared first on Donna & Andy.