Royal Conservatory of Music - Repertoire Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/product-tag/royal-conservatory-of-music-repertoire-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/ Music by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker Wed, 13 May 2026 19:49:54 +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 Royal Conservatory of Music - Repertoire Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/product-tag/royal-conservatory-of-music-repertoire-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/ 32 32 Get Up in the Mornin’ https://donnaandandy.com/product/get-up-in-the-mornin-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/get-up-in-the-mornin-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Mon, 01 Sep 2025 17:46:01 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=520614 One melody – two song options! Whether the weather is the topic of the day, or singers are excited about Christmas morning, this is a jaunty, jazzy tune to sing with young singers.

Swing your way through this optimistic tune about the weather. No matter what Mother Nature has sent your way, it is good to remember not to “sass your Momma”.  Be happy and have a good time singing about the weather, whether it is sunny, rainy or any kind of weather you choose.

A variety of accompaniment tracks create versatility and options in this two-song package. Accompaniment tracks have been created that follow the score as written, with 12-bar instrumental breaks between each verse. Additional accompaniment tracks are provided with alternating verses and choruses without the instrumental break sections to accommodate soloists or young singers who might be uncomfortable standing and waiting for a 12-bar instrumental section between verses.

A second set of lyrics using this melody adds repertoire options.

Get Up Christmas Mornin’

Get up Christmas morning and see if Santa has arrived at your house! Swing your way through this song and spring out of bed to check out your stocking. Maybe it’s a good idea to also check the roof for reindeer hoof prints. Whatever you do, don’t be grumpy! It’s a Christmas rule!

3 purchase options include:

  • Get Up in the Mornin'
  • Get Up Christmas Mornin'
  • Get Up in the Mornin' + Get Up Christmas Mornin' - 2-song Combo

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Listen to Donna & Andy performance track:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide with/without instrumental breaks
  • Accompaniment – piano with/without instrumental breaks
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental track with instrumental breaks
  • Donna & Andy – performance track
  • Teaching Tips
  • Colouring page

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Get Up in the Mornin'

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Get Up in the Mornin' & Get Up Christmas Mornin'.

Get Up in the Mornin' - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics - SAMPLE
Get Up Christmas Mornin' - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics - SAMPLE

Part of a song collection

Get Up in the Mornin' is one of 12 songs from the award-winning song collection "Blue Skies and Pirates". 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 110-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 is also available on Amazon

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 for download or physical CD on this website.

Teacher Tips

Introduce the song 

Have a weather-related discussion.

  • Do the students have a favourite kind of weather?
  • What is their least favourite kind of weather?
  • Do they ever grumble about the weather?
  • Does grumbling and complaining improve the weather conditions?

Listen to the song or read the lyrics.

  • What is the message of this song? Don’t be grumpy or blue about the weather, and don’t “sass” Mother Nature!
  • Is this good advice?

Expressive singing

Sing expressively to create a different presentation style for each of the types of weather about which you are singing.

Emphasize the lyrics by using:

  • dynamics
  • clear diction
  • facial movement
  • simple gestures

Improvisation

There are instrumental breaks between each verse (bars 29-40).

Have students use these instrumental bars to improvise using their own musical ideas.

Students may sing specific words e.g., rain, sun, wind, etc. or sing scat syllables.

There is also the option to skip these bars (tracks are provided to accommodate both options).


Be a composer

Create your own verses for this song.

As a composer you will make musical decisions about the content of your song lyrics.

You may decide to sing about your favourite kind of weather, or you may want to take the opportunity to complain a bit about your least favourite kind of weather.

Will you still decide to present the message that it won’t help to be grumpy, or will you create a different message for your weather song?

Use the instrumental accompaniment tracks and sing your new lyrics.

Have fun composing!

Colouring page - download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song Get Up in the Mornin'. 

Coloured colouring page - Get Up in the Mornin' - song by Donna Rhodenizer - artwork by Richard Bennett

Composer's Notes

Get Up in the Mornin'

I was taking my son to a Scout Jamboree in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada. 14,000 Scouts from all over Canada were converging at a massive camp site for a week-long event. As we were heading to the camp on a bright and sunny day, the melody and the first verse of the song popped into my head. I started to sing as we walked from the parking lot to the central gathering location (it was quite a hike so I had some time!) My son has camped in some pretty uncomfortable weather conditions. He always had lots of stories to tell, but he really didn’t complain about the weather. He seemed to enjoy the challenge of surviving even rainy and snowy camping trips. He didn’t get that from his mother. I prefer to be protected from heat, cold, bugs and hard ground when I sleep. Despite my personal preference to avoid being involved in bad weather, I thought it made sense to include the advice not to be saucy to Mother Nature. At the end of the day, being grumpy doesn’t change the weather conditions but a good attitude can go a long way to improving the outlook of the situation.

A few years later, our Donna & Andy duo was invited to sing at a Christmas event. We were practicing some standard seasonal tunes when we started to change the lyrics of Get Up in the Mornin’ to fit in with getting up on Christmas morning. We sketched out alternate lyrics that worked for that concert and I include them with the original words so teachers can have an option for school and vocal studio Christmas concert presentations. The admonishment not to be grumpy or sassy also works in the context of staying off the naughty list!  

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 video of Get Up in the Mornin' and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/get-up-in-the-mornin-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 A Robin’s Tale https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-robins-tale-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-robins-tale-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/#comments Sun, 09 Feb 2025 21:29:37 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519805 On a cold and windy day, the robin is having a marvelous time pulling worms out of the lawn for a tasty treat. The song progresses with a contrasting minor section creating musical tension as the robin wages its tug of war with the worms.

The melody is written within the range of C4-D5, giving young singers brief opportunities to reach the top and bottom of their range, without staying for extended time in these outer limits. The ABA form of the song includes a 4-bar foray into minor tonality in the B section. The melody is rhythmically simple with mostly quarter and eighth notes and a few dotted quarter/eighth note combinations creating rhythmic interest.

A Robin’s Tale is a lovely solo for singers age 9 and under or for classroom singers in grades 2-3. The minor tonality of the B section is brief and is a short introduction to this tone colour for young singers.

Listen to vocal demo by Ada May:

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 Robin's Tale

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for A Robin's Tale.

A Robin's Tale - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer & Andy Duinker - Lyrics - SAMPLE

Teacher Tips

Introducing the song

Pre-singing discussion connects students’ interest to the song content. Questions may include:

Have you ever seen a robin pulling worms out of the lawn?

How do you think they know where the worms are? Do they hear the worms? Do they feel the vibration with their feet? (Both would be amazing skills!)

What facts do you know about robins?

Do you have a favourite bird?

Score Study

Dotted quarter note/eighth note combinations.

The melody of A Robin’s Tale is written with dotted quarter note/eighth note combinations.

While the teacher sings the song, have the students listen and follow the score.

Find all the bars where there are dotted quarter note/eighth note combinations.

Have students tap or clap the rhythm of the song as the teacher sings one more time.

Have half the students sing the song and the other half tap the rhythm. Switch.

Phrases

Listen for phrases that are the same or almost the same. Finding these similar phrases helps when learning the melody of the song.

Major/minor tonality

The B section of A Robin’s Tale is written in a minor key for a few short bars. Find the bars that are written in the minor key. Where does the melody return to the major tonality?

Expressive Singing

Use good breath energy to sing the long, legato phrases.

Breath marks show where the singer will take a breath even thought the notes look like there is no spot to breathe. Take as much time as needed to take a comfortable breath.

How will you sing differently to create a contrast in the B section when the melody is written in the minor key?

Use clear diction so the story can be understood.

Add dynamics to create musical interest and highlight the lyrics as part of your expressive performance.

Composer's Notes

I enjoy watching the birds in my backyard. A bird feeder of seeds encourages certain birds to make regular visits. Robins don’t frequent the feeder. They prefer worms and stay on the lawn to forage for their snacks. The robins hop from spot to spot. It is interesting to watch the tug-of-war that ensues when they locate a worm and try to pull it from its hiding spot. Because they eat worms and grubs, robins leave Canada to go to warmer climates for the winter. We know spring has arrived when they show up again. A Robin’s Tale was written as I watched this vignette playing out in the backyard. Andy and I worked on the words together and we ended up with this short song for young singers.

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 Robin's Tale and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - Penguins - artwork by Richard Bennett

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-robins-tale-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 1 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

The post Computer Cat appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/computer-cat-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 I Wonder https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-wonder-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-wonder-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:16:07 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519679 Penguins always look so dressed up rocking that black “tuxedo” look. Although we may think they look terrific, what if a penguin gets tired of wearing the same thing every day?

This bouncy march-like song has three verses set with simple rhythms and a melody that falls withing the vocal range of D4 – C5. The melody is written using mostly step-wise motion with a few easy to navigate interval jumps. Natural breathing breaks assist the singer with maintaining good breath energy.

Older singers will manage the three verses easily while younger singers may find it helpful to sing with another singer or in a small ensemble to give support for the lyric load. I Wonder is a super song for young choirs, small group classes and elementary music classes.

Use cross-curricular activities to extend the scope of this song making educational connections and adding elements of creative play. Activities include curricular connections to: Fine arts (music, visual art, and dance), language arts, science and technology.

Get Donna's "Four Penguin Songs" as a set and save 25%.

Listen to Melody + Accompaniment:

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

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
  • 13 Cross-curricular Activities
  • Colouring page

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I Wonder

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for I Wonder

I Wonder - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

I Wonder 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 - Songbook

MORE Penguin Songs

There are 3 more penguin songs for fun singing in your home school, classroom, vocal studio or choir. 

Purchase all Four Penguin Songs together and save 25%

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

Introductory discussion

  • Discuss penguin facts that the students know.
  • Research additional information about penguins.

Expressive singing

  • Emphasize key words by using clear, crisp consonants.
  • For dramatic contrast, speak the line “I’m wearing red tonight.” Choose the       emotion you wish to convey: excitement, rebellion, decisiveness, musing, etc.

 Add actions

  • Listen to the performance track and do the following actions for the words listed.
       I wonder    -   index finger to side of head (thinking)
       never         -   shake head or finger side to side, like saying no
       suit coat     -   show where a fancy lapel would be
       eater          -   pretend to eat
       shirtfront    -   put hand flat on chest
       won’t see   -  shake head no and point to eyes
       apron         -   move flat hand down the front of your chest
       chest          -   flat hand on chest
       best            -   thumbs up sign
       tired           -    droop the shoulders and drop the head a bit
       “I’m wearing red tonight”    -   hands on hips and nod head
       choice         -   hands out to the sides, shrug your shoulders
       white and black     -    right hand first, then left hand out to each side
       black and white     -    left hand first, then right hand out to each side
       again                   -     fold arms across chest
  • The actions listed above are included in the PDF download.

Vocal exploration


There are many kinds of voices: talking, singing, whispering, shouting, etc.

In I Wonder, the line “I’m wearing red tonight,” may be spoken.     

How well do you know the voices of the people in your class?

Use a recording device.

  • Have all the students say their names.
  • Record their voices.
  • Listen to the recording.

Change the order of the students.

  • Have each student say, “Hello, how are you?” and record it.
  • Play the recording for the class and see if the speaker can be identified.

Have each child say something with a disguised voice.

  • Can the person still be identified?

Have each child sing something (something simple like Rain, rain go away).

  • Students should use their best singing voice.
  • The voice should not be disguised.
  • Can the person be identified from his or her singing voice?


Explore Cross Curricular Activities

A package of 13 cross-curricular activities has been created for use with the song, I Wonder. Additional activities are included with each of Donna’s other penguin songs: Penguin Parade, Pondering Penguins  and The Penguin Ball. 

Share the cross-curricular activities with classroom teachers so they can tie into the music their students have learned in the music room.

13 cross-curricular activities

13 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
  • Science
  • Technology

Colouring Page - Download

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

I Wonder - song by Donna Rhodenizer - Colouring page - Artwork by Richard Bennett

Composer's Notes

I Wonder

This is one of four penguin songs I have written. I was asked by a teacher at my school if I had any penguin songs she could include as part of a penguin unit she was doing with her students. I didn’t have anything to offer her, so when her students came to music class and started telling me everything they knew about penguins, I used that information to write them some songs.

I Wonder explores the limited wardrobe options of a penguin. They always look like they are dressed up in a fancy suit. I think they look quite grand, but I wonder if they ever get tired of wearing the same thing day after day! I imagined a penguin standing at the open door of the closet looking at all those black and white shirts and black suits. I was amused as I wondered what would happen if he decided he wanted to be different and wear something red for a change? I had fun imagining the penguin in this song and writing the lyrics for I Wonder.

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 I Wonder and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - Penguins - artwork by Richard Bennett

The post I Wonder appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-wonder-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Star Above https://donnaandandy.com/product/star-above-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/star-above-by-donna-rhodenizer/#comments Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:20:25 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=518822 Star Above is a gentle and reflective song. The singer expresses the thought that a brightly shining star can bring hope in a dark night. Just like stars, we can try to shine brightly in the world, reflecting hope and love to those around us.

The original melody of Star Above is partnered with one verse of the American spiritual, Great Big Stars. These two songs complement each other lyrically and melodically. The opening interval of a rising fourth in Great Big Stars (s,- d) completes the octave begun by the rising fifth interval (d - s) in the opening of Star Above.

Star Above is available as a 2-part arrangement for treble voices and also as a 2-part arrangement for mixed voices. The arrangement begins in unison (or with a solo). Great Big Stars can be sung as a solo/unison presentation or harmony can be added. Verse three partners the two songs which are sung together (with a few melodic adaptations) creating the harmony. In the treble arrangement, a lush alto line creates the harmony for the final verse. In the mixed-voice arrangement the final verse is sung with the melody in the low voice and a harmony part added by the treble voice.

Star Above can be sung at any time of the year as a song of hope. With one slight lyric change the song can also be used as Christmas-themed repertoire.

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

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 (2-part mixed)
  • Teaching Tips

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Star Above

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Star Above.

I Got a Sister (but I wanted a dog) - lyrics - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer

Part of a song collection

Star Above 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

It's Christmas Time - C'est Noël

Stream and purchase audio Tracks

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

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

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

Teacher Tips

Discussion

Use Star Above as a discussion starter.

Discuss the meaning of the lyrics.

Expressive singing

Breath energy will be needed to support the long phrases in Star Above.

Discuss the places in the music where it makes sense to take a breath. Look for commas and ends of sentences and phrases for natural breathing spots. Sometimes a breath will need to be added quickly to ensure the long phrases can be managed.

Use dynamics and sensitive endings and beginnings of phrases to create an expressive performance.

Two-part singing

When singing Star Above as a two-part arrangement, be sure the melody line is the stronger part when harmony is added.

In the partner song section, when the melodies of Star Above and Great Big Stars are sung together, balance both melodies equally.

Extensions

French

Star Above has been adapted into French (Étoile du ciel). Older singers may enjoy learning both the English and the French versions as a language study.

Handbells

Details are provided in the PDF download describing how to achieve a “shimmering star” effect using handbells or metallophones.

Composer's Notes

Star Above is a reflective and personal song. It is heartfelt and serious with a strong message, although simply stated. When I discovered the American spiritual Great Big Stars in a music text book, I decided to insert it into my original song as a contrasting section. My students sang this two-song combination as a unison piece. One year when I was looking for a Christmas song for my choir to sing, the qualities of peace, hope, love and joy that are referenced in Star Above seemed to be a good fit so we changed “great big stars” to “Christmas star” and it became part of our Christmas repertoire.

We (Donna & Andy) included Star Above in the concert repertoire for our duo. It became a favourite song for us to sing and we recorded it on our Donna & Andy CD: It’s Christmas Time. In arranging the song for our mixed voices we determined that Andy would sing the opening original melody and I would sing the Great Big Stars section. When we started adding harmony, I realized that Great Big Stars would fit as a partner song with my melody with a few minor adjustments. The two songs became even more intertwined.

Star Above had its early beginnings with my school choirs and then it was recorded as a Donna & Andy song. It has continued its journey in the musical world by being included in the Royal Conservatory Voice Series as one of its exam pieces. It has been sung in many exams, music festivals, voice lessons and school concerts since its humble beginnings.

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!

Star Above concert performance - starts at 6:30

French version - Étoile du ciel

Send us your video of Star Above and perhaps we can post it here.

Girl returns to Store - by Donna & Andy.com

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/star-above-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 1 The Giraffe https://donnaandandy.com/product/the-giraffe-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/the-giraffe-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Sun, 02 Jun 2024 01:17:24 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=518363 A delightful song about a tall giraffe with a spotty, dotty body, and a daily routine that includes choosing what to chew for a snack. Since he is the only one who can reach the leaves at the tops of the trees, “He’s really out of luck if his tongue gets stuck when he’s having a snack up there.”

In addition, being a quiet animal, giraffes never complain:

     “You never hear a sound, or a snort or a laugh, He is short on complaining the tall giraffe.”

The descriptive lyrics include rhyming sequences that are fun to sing and staccato markings for the words “sound,” “snort”, “laugh” and “short” which help create an interesting and expressive vocal performance.

With step-wise melodic motion and a range of only one octave, (D4-D5) this is an ideal song for singers in grades 2-3, ages 9 and under. Students even have the option to choose the gender of their giraffe with lyric sheets and vocal scores provided for both options. The Giraffe is an excellent solo for a vocal recital or a gentle group selection for young singers in elementary music classrooms.

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score (he and she versions)
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics (he and she versions)
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Teaching Tips

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The Giraffe

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for The Giraffe.

The Giraffe (She) - song for Young Singers - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics - SAMPLE

Teacher Tips

Have fun singing the song

Sometimes a song is just “cute”. No big teaching points., no need to work on the rhythm or the melody, no dissecting the elements that have been meshed together to create the song. The Giraffe is like that! Just sweet and fun. Simple, with a bit of humour. The lyrics include a few “plays on words” such as when the giraffe is “short on complaining” even while being a tall giraffe. And isn’t it amusing to think about the giraffe, being such a quiet animal, not complaining about anything? I think so!

The Giraffe is a great choice for a young solo singer who needs a song to perform that enables them to gain confidence and performing experience. It also works well with elementary classroom singers. It is simple and well within the skill set of grade 2-3 students and it makes a sweet spring concert number (or an early fall performance as well).

There ARE always musical elements to examine and extract. There are also ways to introduce a song and a few hints and tips might help get the creative ideas flowing. If you want to include other elements in addition to singing just for fun, read on….

Introduce the song

Initiate a discussion with the students asking them to share some facts about their favourite animals.

  • Ask the students to name some large animals.
  • What small animals can they name?
  • What animals are loud?
  • What animals are quiet?
  • What do they know about giraffes?

Expressive Singing

  • Some phrases in The Giraffe are smooth and legato and some have short, staccato words to sing. Use the difference between the legato and staccato phrases to create an expressive performance.
  • Read the lyrics aloud.
  • Highlight words that have similar sounds and/or that rhyme. How can these words be emphasized to create an expressive performance when speaking and singing? (“spotty, dotty body in between” and “chooses what to chew with care”).
  • Use clear diction to be sure the audience can understand what you are singing.

Score Study

  • Many passages in The Giraffe are written using step-wise patterns. Find the patterns that are ascending. Find the patterns that are descending.
  • Use your hand to show the ascending and descending patterns of the melody as you sing.

Composer's Notes

The Giraffe

Sometimes song ideas just pop into my head. I have many notebooks and collections of scraps of paper which have accumulated as a result jotting down ideas to use later. I have learned from experience that ideas that seem very promising may be quickly forgotten if some kind of note or recording are not made of the idea.

I was thinking about the giraffe – its unique height and the fact that it doesn’t really have a sound. We never hear any complaints from the giraffe, or any other sounds either, for that matter! As I played with word combinations to describe the giraffe I thought about its long neck, four long legs and a spotty, dotty, body in between. That sounded like a fun combination of words to sing so I wrote them on a slip of paper to add to a song about a giraffe. I had lyrics for one verse and I thought my song was complete. However, when I first sang it for Andy, he suggested that the song was too short, particularly since it was about a TALL giraffe. I went back to writing down ideas and worked out a second verse to finish my song.

I enjoy the process of writing songs, and I love encouraging my students to compose and make musical decisions. It seemed like a good idea to include the option for young singers to choose whether they would sing about a he or a she giraffe. In the music classroom this leads to some lively discussions! A soloist will have the flexibility to change the version they sing depending on how they feel on any given day. Whatever the students decide, I hope they enjoy singing The Giraffe as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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 performance video - we might be able to post it on this page!

Send us your video of The Giraffe and perhaps we can post it here.

The Giraffe - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - return to store - image

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/the-giraffe-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 The Penguin Ball https://donnaandandy.com/product/the-penguin-ball-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/the-penguin-ball-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 23:33:22 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517331 In this gentle song, the penguins are getting ready to go the penguin ball. They love whirling and dipping, sliding and slipping as they dance together “cheek to cheek” on the ice. They sadly say goodnight when the ball is over and they continue to hum bits of music as they waddle home at the end of the evening.

Young singers enjoy the 3/4 meter of The Penguin Ball as the penguins waltz at the ball. The descriptive lyrics and imaginative story line make this a wonderful song for exploring expressive singing. The melody is created with many combinations of descending and ascending thirds. The melody stays within an octave, between C4-C5, which is an ideal range for young singers.

The Penguin Ball is a lovely solo for young singers or a great concert performance song for young elementary choirs.

The Penguin Ball is one of four penguin songs by Donna Rhodenizer. The other three songs in her penguin collection are: Pondering Penguins, Penguin Parade and I Wonder.

The Penguin Ball is included in the Royal Conservatory of Music Voice Series, 2019 Edition: Repertoire 1, List B : 20th and 21st century Repertoire.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Donna & Andy band - instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy - performance track
  • Teaching Tips and Strategies
  • 13 Cross-curricular Activities
  • Colouring page

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The Penguin Ball

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for The Penguin Ball

Note:

Donna & Andy recorded tracks include the 16-bar instrumental verse.

Piano accompaniment tracks do not include an instrumental verse.

Song for Young Singers - The Penguin Ball - Song Composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

The Penguin Ball 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 - Songbook

MORE Penguin Songs

Here are 3 more penguin songs for fun singing in your home school, classroom, vocal studio or choir. 

Purchase all Four Penguin Songs together and save 25%

Stream and Purchase Audio Tracks

Stream or Purchase from many streaming sites including:

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


Get The Penguin Ball on the Computer Cat CD (Donna & Andy performance and instrumental) tracks (24) - available for download or physical CD on this website.

13 cross-curricular activities

13 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

Teaching Tips

Expressive singing

  • Read the lyrics aloud to discover the descriptive words that will be highlighted as you explore the art of expressive singing.
  • Discuss how to use clear consonants and rounded vowels to sing the words expressively.
  • Use dynamics to create the mood changes that occur in the story of the song.

Teach 3/4 meter

  • Step on beat one of every measure to experience the swaying, waltz feel of 3/4 meter.
  • Practice a 3-beat conducting pattern as you listen to the song, or divide the class with some students conducting while others sing. Switch groups.
  • Add colourful scarves, moving them on beat one of each bar for kinesthetic and visual reinforcement of the swaying movement of 3/4 time.

Explore musical phrases

  • Discover how many phrases are in the opening chorus.
  • Have the children move one hand in a rainbow shape to show the shape of each phrase as they listen to the song.

Create a penguin “unit”

  • Sing all four of Donna’s penguin songs: The Penguin Ball, I Wonder, Penguin Parade and Pondering Penguins. 
  • Create a presentation for invited guests (family members, administrators, another class)
  • Add costumes.
  • Share penguin facts between each song.

Colouring Page - Download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song The Penguin Ball. 

Song for Young Singer - The Penguin Ball - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Artwork by Richard Bennett

Composer's Notes

I wrote The Penguin Ball after a request from a teacher at my school who was doing a penguin unit with her students. She asked me for a penguin song and I didn’t know any, so I wrote my own! When her students came to my music class they told me lots of penguin facts to give me ideas for my songs. I discovered that penguins are amazing creatures. The conditions in which they live and the way they survive, live, and raise their babies are all fascinating.

With all the facts I discovered, I had enough ideas to write four penguin songs! The Penguin Ball is an imaginative depiction of how penguins might spend their moonlit evenings. How romantic to waltz together at the “Penguin Ball”. I can see those penguins sadly saying goodnight as they waddle home to go to sleep.

You Are Invited

You are invited to send us your performance of The Penguin Ball.

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!

Send us your video of The Penguin Ball and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - Penguins - artwork by Richard Bennett

The post The Penguin Ball appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/the-penguin-ball-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 I’m Wishing https://donnaandandy.com/product/im-wishing-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/im-wishing-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:38:04 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=516998 I’m Wishing presents a positive message of hope and a wish for peace that is suitable for any time of year. However, it is particularly suited for Remembrance Day and Veterans Day programs.

Beyond wishing, there are things we can do in our everyday lives that create a more peaceful state of being and living. Personal action is required from each of us to improve our own small corner of the world.

The melody of I’m Wishing is lyrical, with long phrases and sustained notes.  An optional harmony part is also provided, although the melody stands on its own merits as a unison selection.

I’m Wishing (omit verse 4) is included in the Royal Conservatory of Music “Complete Repertoire” exam song list.  (Level 3, List B)

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Director/piano score
  • Flute score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Donna & Andy band - instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy - performance track
  • 23 Cross-curricular activities
  • Colouring page

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I'm Wishing

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

I'm Wishing - Song Composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE

Part of a Song Collection

I'm Wishing 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 - Songbook

Steam or Purchase Audio Tracks

Stream or purchase from many music streaming sites including:

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

          ....to name but a few. 


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

Also Available Here

I'm Wishing is also available from

 - Royal Conservatory of Music Voice Series, 2019 Edition: Repertoire 3

Teaching Tips

The Activity Pack included with I’m Wishing provides two activities to introduce the song and explore the lyrics. There are a total of 23 activities across a variety of subject areas:  music, math, language arts, visual art, science, social studies, technology and character trait development. This is an excellent opportunity to listen to the music and then incorporate related activities that arise from the lyrics.

Some of the activities listed here are also explained in more detail in the Activity Pack PDF download.

Have the children listen to the music and create a meaningful piece of art.

  • Add the children’s art to the performance track of I’m Wishing to create a video.
  • Play the video as part of school Remembrance Day/Veterans Day presentations.

Discuss what a phrase is.

  • Discover how many phrases are in the opening chorus.
  • Have the children move one hand in a rainbow shape to show the shape of each phrase as they listen to the song.

Add instruments to specific words or musical elements in the song.

23 cross-curricular activities

23 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,
  • Language arts
  • Math
  • Physical activity
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Technology

Composer's Notes

I'm Wishing

I’m Wishing was created from a place of reflection. As a young child I would wish on the first star that would appear in the darkening night sky. This ritual is probably as old as time itself. People who take the time to look up and wait for the appearance of that first star also may take that time for thinking and wishing. 

Wishing on a star can be a way to put into words what is wished in the heart. A child might wish for a variety of things: a place where they are able to laugh and play without fearing for safety, peace instead of war, and more love between people and nations. In addition to wishing for such things to be possible, there is the realization that we all have a part to play in making our wishes become reality.

Although initially written as a children’s song, the message it contains is a good reminder for all of us, regardless of our age. I’m Wishing focuses on the message of hope, and the idea of a more peaceful world. Beyond wishing, there is a part we can all play in our everyday lives to create a more peaceful state of being and living. My hope for the world is that we find a way to make wishes like this become reality.

You Are invited

You are invited to send us your performance of I'm Wishing.

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 as well. Thanks!

Send us your video of I'm Wishing and perhaps we can post it here.

Girl returns to Store - by Donna & Andy.com

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/im-wishing-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Ed the Invisible Dragon https://donnaandandy.com/product/ed-the-invisible-dragon-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/ed-the-invisible-dragon-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Fri, 10 Mar 2023 03:24:35 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=515738 "FREE"   Use coupon code   EDFOREDUCATION   or  edforeducation   at checkout to get "Ed" Free!

When an invisible dragon lives at your house, be prepared for things to get messy and broken and YOU will get the blame! Despite Ed’s messy ways, young singers LOVE singing about this invisible dragon.

The minor melody is contained within an octave and has a jaunty swing feel. The chorus spans only a fourth and becomes a stable foundation for the piece as a whole.

Once students have fallen in love with Ed the invisible dragon, he will “show up” at many (many!) lessons, concerts, recitals, festivals and wherever children are singing.

Ed the Invisible Dragon (verses 1, 3, and 4) is also included in the Royal Conservatory of Music Voice Series, 2019 Edition: Repertoire 2, List B : 20th and 21st century Repertoire.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Donna & Andy band - instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy - performance track
  • Ed For Education - 19 Cross-curricular Activities

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Ed the Invisible Dragon

by Donna Rhodenizer

"Ed for Education"

Free Download

You are invited to download the complete Ed the Invisible Dragon package including 19 cross-curricular activities FREE when you use coupon code  EDFOREDUCATION  or  edforeducation  at checkout.


Free Download includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy – performance track
  • Ed For Education – 19 Cross-curricular Activities

Enjoy!

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment + melody guide for Ed the Invisible Dragon.

Song for young singers - Ed the invisible Dragon - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE

Part of a Song Collection

Ed the Invisible Dragon is one of 12 songs from the Juno-nominated song collection "Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me" Donna Rhodenizer has written these songs using a variety of styles including a lullaby/tango, bluegrass, blues and pop in a variety of skill levels for singers from ages 5-12+.

Learn more about this fun collection for elementary-aged kids, choirs and solo vocal students. The 122-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)

The print book (without CD) is also available on Amazon

Performance videos

Ed the Invisible Dragon has been performed by thousands of young vocal students and elementary school students around the world. You can see performance videos further down this page. Enjoy!

Stream and Purchase Audio Tracks / CD

Stream or Purchase Ed the Invisible Dragon from many streaming sites including: Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, Deezer ...etc.

"Ed" is also available on the Donna & Andy CD Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me

Also:

Do an online search and find Ed the Invisible Dragon all over the internet.

19 cross-curricular activities

19 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, and drama,
  • Physical Activity
  • Science
  • Technology

Colouring Page - download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song Ed the Invisible Dragon. 

Song for young singers - Ed the Invisible Dragon - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - colouring page - artwork by Richard Bennett - 2025

Composer's Notes

Ed the Invisible Dragon

I was blessed to be the mother of three boys. They were born two years apart, so when my third son was born I had three boys under the age of 4!  My small house was not often quiet, nor was it tidy, even with daily efforts to keep the boys and toys contained. However, my active sons were great inspiration for me as a composer and many stories and songs were created as entertainment for my own children. Ed the invisible dragon was inspired by my chaotic house. I would find the living room full of scattered Lego pieces and half-finished creations. The boys would be nowhere in sight, having gone off to another activity in another location. When I would round them up and inquire, “Who made this mess?” the inevitable answer from ALL three boys would be, “Not me, Mom.” At some point we determined that someone invisible must be living in our house making messes and leaving them behind. Ed the invisible dragon was born at that moment.

The topic of Ed would come up as we were driving somewhere as a family. We would discuss Ed and all the things he would do that might cause trouble. By the time I decided to introduce Ed and his escapades to my elementary music students there were many verses. I honed it down to the final four that became Ed’s legacy, and the first group of students who sang it loved it. After Ed was performed by my students, other teachers inquired about obtaining a copy of the music and in 1993, Ed the Invisible Dragon was published and presented as part of a song collection. He has been traveling around the world ever since. Just like my own boys, he has grown up, had adventures independently of me, and has found his own niche in the musical world. He is pretty young for a dragon and I expect he will be around for a very long time.

NOTE: Ed the Invisible Dragon is one of the first songs I wrote for my students when I began teaching elementary school music in the mid 1980s. The song was first published in 1993 - Ed is now over 30 years old! (Although 30 years is really not very old for a dragon!)

Also available here

Ed the Invisible Dragon is also available at these links

Also an illustrated Children's book

After 30 years of Ed the Invisible Dragon as a song - "Ed" is now a book too!

Purchase on this our here or get your copy(s) on Amazon. Enjoy!

You Are Invited

  • You are invited to send us your performance of Ed the Invisible Dragon. Maybe your video will be featured here on this page. 
  • Please drop by again and leave a Review of Ed the Invisible Dragon on this page. Thanks!

Included in this 

12 Song Collection

Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me - Songbook - by Donna & Andy

More Song Collections

3 Songbooks - by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker (Donna & Andy)

"Ed" is on this CD

Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me - CD

"Ed" is in this book

Stroy/song by Donna Rhodenizer - Ed the Invisible Dragon - Illustrated Children's Book - by Donna Rhodenizer and Richard Bennett - book cover

Here are a few of many

Ed the Invisible Dragon performances - Enjoy!

Send us your video of Ed the Invisible Dragon and perhaps we can post it here.

Song for young singers - Ed the Invisible Dragon - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Return to Cart image - artwork by Richard Bennett

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/ed-the-invisible-dragon-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Singin’ the Blues https://donnaandandy.com/product/singin-the-blues-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/singin-the-blues-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:33:39 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=515710 In many blues songs it is common that the singer loses their girl and their truck, their dog runs away, it’s raining, and Momma is in jail. Singin' the Blues contains a few passing references to these adult issues, but this song is from the perspective of a child. Although complaints differ between generations, children can still find reasons to sing the blues.

Young singers have the opportunity to work on expressive singing and jazzy vocal scoops and slides within the blues style of this piece. Those students who love to complain, and/or who tend to be overdramatic will be thrilled to put both of those talents to good use as they have fun “Singin’ the Blues.”

The download includes a bonus instrumental band track with gritty, blues harmonica and an authentic blues sound that students will love!

Singin' the Blues is also

  • included in the Royal Conservatory of Music Voice Series, 2019 Edition: Repertoire 6, List B: 20th and 21st Century Repertoire

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Bonus: Donna & Andy band – instrumental track
  • Bonus: Donna & Andy - performance track

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Singin' the Blues

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment + melody guide for Singin' the Blues

Singin' the Blues - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Colouring page - artwork by Richard Bennett

Part of a Song Collection

Singin' the Blues is one of 12 songs from the award winning song collection "Blue Skies and Pirates" Click the link to see more about this fun collection for elementary-aged kids, choirs and solo vocal students. The 111-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)

Bonus Audio Tracks / CD

The song collection - Blue Skies and Pirates (Donna & Andy performance and instrumental) audio tracks are available for download or physical CD on this website.


Stream or purchase from many music streaming sites including:

Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer   ....to name but a few. 

Colouring Page - download

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

Singin' the Blues - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Colouring page - artwork by Richard Bennett

Composer's Notes

Singin’ the Blues

Traditionally, blues songs are often “hurting” songs. Adults who sing in this genre sing about losing their girlfriend, their truck, and their dog (which always seems to have run away for some reason). It is often raining, someone is in jail, and “Momma” often shows up as a character in the sad story that is being told.

Children enjoy singing the scoops and slides and experiencing the feel of a blues song. However, most of the lyrics are not age-appropriate! I decided to write a song from the perspective of a child. There are events in the day of a child that cause a child concern or grief. Anyone who has taken their bike out for a spin and ended up sailing over the handlebars and skinning their knees (and hands, face and many other body parts as well!) will know that this is surely a reason to “sing the blues”. Chewing bubble gum can be great fun. Learning to blow bubbles is a skill that many children are motivated to master. Along with blowing those bubbles comes the inevitable collapse of the bubble resulting in a face that becomes a sticky mess. In the third verse, even though their dog has not run away, the singer is too young to own a pickup truck and nobody sends them any mail, so they are still “singin’ the blues”. 

When we recorded this song for our Donna & Andy CD, Blue Skies and Pirates, we hired some very fine blues players from Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played our track with the same style and nuances one would hear played by any blues band playing for adults in any bar in the city. The authentic feel of the song is delightful, and children love the opportunity to sing along and air their grievances while singin’ the blues!

Also available here

Singin' the Blues is also available in the 

 - Royal Conservatory of Music Voice Series, 2019 Edition: Repertoire 6, List B : 20th - and 21st - Century Repertoire

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Included in this 

12 Song Collection

Blue Skies and Pirates - Song Collection - by Donna Rhodenizer
3 Songbooks - by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker (Donna & Andy)

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Singin the Blues - song / music composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Return to Store image

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