Song Collection - Computer Cat - by Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/product-tag/song-collection-computer-cat-music-by-donna-rhodenizer/ Music by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:08:15 +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 Song Collection - Computer Cat - by Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/product-tag/song-collection-computer-cat-music-by-donna-rhodenizer/ 32 32 Splashing in the Puddles https://donnaandandy.com/product/splashing-in-the-puddles-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/splashing-in-the-puddles-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Fri, 02 May 2025 17:18:01 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=520331 Splashing in the Puddles is a song about facing a rainy day with a cheery perspective. With boots (galoshes!), an umbrella, and a good attitude, even a rainy day can be full of fun.

Singers are instructed to swing the eighths as they present this jaunty melody with its positive message. A brief reference to the children’s chant “Rain Rain Go Away” and some nonsense syllables are all part of the charm of this composition.

The melody is rhythmically interesting while being accessible for young singers in grades 4-5, ages 9-11. The melody stays mainly within a one-octave vocal range from C4-C5 except for a few stretches to notes in the upper range (D5) and the option to sing a bright and dramatic F5 as a flourish on the final note of the song.

Splashing in the Puddles was originally written as a simple call and response, 2-part song for Donna’s elementary school choir. It has also been adapted into a solo/unison version without the call and response echoes so everyone can have fun singing this optimistic rainy-day song. Both the unison and 2-part arrangements are included in this download package.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment - unison - SAMPLE: Note: the tempo is slower to accommodate the volume of words for a solo singer

Listen to melody + accompaniment  - 2-part version - SAMPLE:

Download for Classrooms and Choirs Includes:

  • Vocal score (unison and 2-part)
  • Lead sheet (unison and 2-part)
  • Director/piano score (unison and 2-part)
  • Lyrics (unison and 2-part)
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide (unison)
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide (voice 1)
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide (voice 2)
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide (2 parts together)
  • Accompaniment – piano (unison and 2-part)
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental track (2-part)
  • Donna & Andy – performance track (2-part)
  • Teaching tips
  • Colouring page
  • 20 Cross-curricular Activities

Download for Single User License includes:

  • Vocal score (unison)
  • Lead sheet (unison)
  • Director/piano score (unison)
  • Lyrics (unison)
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide (unison)
  • Accompaniment – piano (unison)
  • Teaching tips
  • Colouring page
  • 20 Cross-curricular Activities

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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

Splashing in the Puddles - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

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)

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.

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.

Splashing in the Puddles - song by Donna Rhodenizer - Colouring page - artwork by Richard Bennett

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.

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

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/splashing-in-the-puddles-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 My Hamster https://donnaandandy.com/product/my-hamster-song-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/my-hamster-song-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:35:13 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=520239 A dearly loved pet has gone missing and its owner is anxious to get it back. Surely the hamster knows how much it is loved. It is hopeful that offers of premium pellets and promises of the best possible treatment might help facilitate a speedy return.

This lyrical 3/4 meter melody supports the mood of the song and could easily fit into the lullaby category. Singers who have ever had a pet will be able to draw on that experience as they use expressive singing to convey the story presented in My Hamster.

The melody of My Hamster is written within a range of B3-D5, with only one brief dip to the lower notes stretching young singers a bit beyond their most comfortable singing range. A harmony part is included with a range of A3-B4, intended for students with access to a lower range and who are independent singers able to sing an alto line. This song works equally well as a solo or duet and as a unison or 2-part choir selection.

Cross-curricular activities are included extending the focus into other subject areas beyond the music classroom or vocal studio.

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 – with melody guide (alto)
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide (duet)
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy – performance track
  • Teaching tips
  • Colouring page
  • 19 Cross-curricular Activities

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My Hamster

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio Sample

Listen to melody + accompaniment for My Hamster as you follow along with the lyrics.

My Hamster - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE

Part of a song collection

My Hamster 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

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

Introducing the song

Starting a conversation with students about their pets is certain to result in many stories. If students do not have a pet, they can discuss an animal they would like to have as a pet.

The pet in this song is a hamster. Somehow the hamster has gone missing. The singer thinks the hamster has run away. Perhaps it is because he would prefer different food, or perhaps he thinks the owner is hogging the blankets when they are sleeping at night. Ask the students what reasons they think might have caused the hamster to leave his cage and subsequently go missing. Don’t rule out a hamster who is looking for adventure, long lost relatives or maybe, like our school hamster, he just wanted to go to the gym for a workout and then got lost before he could return!


Score study

My Hamster is written in 3/4 time. This may be a less familiar meter for younger singers. Include activities to explore 3/4 meter.

  • While the teacher taps the beat, have the students clap or say the rhythm duration syllables for the rhythm of the lyrics.
  • Switch and have the students tap the beat while the teacher says or claps the rhythm.
  • Sway to the beat, changing direction on beat one of every bar. Add a scarf to this motion to assist with a visual cue for the flow of 3-beat meter.
  • Have the students use a 3-beat conducting pattern as they listen to the music for My Hamster.

For students who are having a difficult time with the feeling of 3/4 time, ask permission to tap on their shoulder and then gently tap the beat as they sing the song. Tap beat one with a slight accent to assist with the recognition of three-beat groupings.

Harmony singing

My Hamster includes an alto harmony part.

Introduce the harmony part after the melody line is well internalized.

Teach the harmony line on its own.

Have the harmony part sung by a student who is more experienced and able to sing an independent line to create harmony with the melody.

When adding the harmony line to the melody, have the teacher provide support by singing the harmony line with the student while playing the melody on the piano.

If the student finds it difficult to sustain their part while another part is being played or sung, invite them to cup their hands behind their ears so they can hear their own voice more strongly. We call this “elephant ears”. It allows the sound of their own voice to be captured and sound stronger while still being able to hear the other part being sung.

Expressive singing

Use good breath energy and create long, legato phrases.

Use clear diction so the story can be understood.

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

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, dance
  • Language arts
  • Math
  • Social studies
  • Technology

Colouring page

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

My Hamster - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer

Composer's Notes

The grade five class at our school had a hamster. One day they arrived to find the hamster cage empty. The morning announcements featured the grade five request for anyone seeing their hamster to return him, or let the class know he was okay. I decided to write them a song when I heard their beloved hamster was missing. I am pleased to report that after three days, the hamster was indeed found, alive and well. He was in a bin of basketballs in the gym, down two flights of stairs and at the opposite end of the school. No one knows how he got there, but we know he must have been in good shape after navigating all those stairs and hanging out in the gym for three days!

You are Invited

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

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

Send us your video of My Hamster and perhaps we can post it here.

My Hamster - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Return to Store image

The post My Hamster appeared first on Donna & Andy.

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

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

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment - sample:

Download Includes:

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

The post Computer Cat appeared first on Donna & Andy.

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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 4 Penguin Songs https://donnaandandy.com/product/four-penguin-songs-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/four-penguin-songs-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:41:22 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519688 Children enjoy exploring facts about the intriguing penguin. It is fun to try to waddle like a penguin and imagine what penguins might be doing in their cold and snowy habitats. Adding whimsical imagination to the mix, we can wonder about the penguin’s appearance. Why is the penguin always so formally dressed? Does the penguin ever get tired of wearing black and white? Penguins might enjoy attending a ball in the romantic moonlight or maybe they like to do a line dance!

Donna Rhodenizer explores the penguin world in her collection of four penguin songs. Some of her lyrics focus on factual information and other songs are humorous imaginings. These songs are well loved by children in lower elementary music classes and choirs, students ages 10 and under. The songs are fun to sing and are audience favourites.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance tracks

"I Wonder" 

"Penguin Parade"

"Pondering Penguins"

"The Penguin Ball"

Four Penguins Songs Download Includes:

  • Vocal scores and/or lead sheets
  • Director/piano scores
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental tracks
  • Donna & Andy – performance tracks
  • 53 Cross-curricular Activities (in total)
  • Colouring pages

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Four Penguin Songs

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for these Four Penguin Songs

I Wonder

I Wonder - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Pondering Penguins

Pondering Penguins - Song for Young Singers - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

The Penguin Ball

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

Part of a Song Collection

These Four Penguin Songs are included in the award-winning song collection "Computer Cat" (total of 12 songs). 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

I only want one Penguin song - can i do that?

You can purchase each Penguin song separately.

Save 25% when you purchase all Four Penguin Songs together.

Stream and purchase Audio tracks

Stream or Purchase the Four Penguin Songs from many streaming sites including:

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

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

53 cross-curricular activities

53 Cross-curricular activities are provided in the PDF download (divided over 4 penguin songs) extending the focus of these songs to other subject areas including:

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

Teacher Tips

Teaching tips are provided with each individual song. See the teaching tips when you visit each penguin song webpage.

Save 25% when you purchase all Four Penguin Songs together.

Colouring Pages - Free Download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring these Penguins as you listen to the Four Penguin Songs. Enjoy!

I Wonder - song by Donna Rhodenizer - Colouring page - Artwork by Richard Bennett
Penguin Parade - Coloring Page
Pondering Penguins - Coloring Page
The Penguin Ball - Coloring Page
Penguins

Composer's Notes

Four Penguin Songs

I wrote my collection of penguin songs as a result of a request made by a classroom teacher at my school. She was doing a penguin unit with her students and she asked me for a penguin song.  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 found out, I ended up writing four penguin songs.

Some of the songs rely on the facts that the students told me, but other songs in the set dive into the world of imagination with penguins checking their closets for clothing options, attending the ”penguin ball” for some romantic moonlit dancing on the beach, or having a parade in the snow. All in all, I had a grand time writing these four songs and the students enjoyed singing them. After almost three decades, I am happy to report my penguin songs are still being sung and enjoyed by young singers (and their audiences) around the world!

You are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing these Four Penguin Songs, 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 them on this page!

See more penguin song videos on these pages.


Save 25% when you purchase all Four Penguin Songs together.

Send us your videos of 4 Penguin Songs and perhaps we can post them here.

Return to Store - Penguins - artwork by Richard Bennett

The post 4 Penguin Songs appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/four-penguin-songs-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

The post I Wonder appeared first on Donna & Andy.

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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 We are the Children of the World https://donnaandandy.com/product/we-are-the-children-of-the-world-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/we-are-the-children-of-the-world-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Sun, 24 Mar 2024 00:48:17 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=518067 “We are the children of the world
every face is different, yet we are all the same;
We have the same hopes and fears,
And dreams for the future,
Yes, we are the children, we are the children of the world.”

This song is written in a pop ballad style. Multiple key changes create musical interest and helps build momentum. The opening verse reaches into the lower range for young singers but quickly moves into the most accessible part of the vocal range for the main melody. A simple descant is also included for four bars of the chorus, creating a lovely introduction to part singing.

We are the Children of the World is a wonderful closing “anthem” for a school concert. It affirms the characteristics of community, acceptance, unity and multi-culturalism. The lyrics bring the message to embrace the differences that make us unique and celebrate the things that keep us united as children of the world.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Unison / (optional 2-part) - download includes:

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

Treble Choir with SATB Choir - download includes:

  • Full score (all vocals + piano)
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Donna & Andy - (reference) performance track (one tone lower than score)

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We are the Children of the World

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for We are the Children of the World.

We are the Children of the World - Song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

We are the Children of the World  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 singers, 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

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

Use We are the Children of the World with your choir, in your music classroom, with your small group vocal class, or as an all-school finale. Approaches will vary depending on the group with whom the song is being used.


Choir

Elementary school choirs often find part singing difficult. To assist with this process, teach all singers the melody throughout. Once the melody is well established, choose a select group of singers to sing the descant. NOTE: The accompaniment includes the descant melody that will be added, preparing students for the musical line that is sung in the second chorus.

If students are finding the lyrics a challenge, divide your singers into two groups and share the responsibility for learning alternating phrases. As you continue to rehearse the song, all students may feel comfortable to sing all the lyrics, but there will be a core group to anchor that section.

Speak the lyrics phrase by phrase with the teacher modeling the syncopated rhythms and students echoing by rote.

Sing the song phrase by phrase with the teacher modeling both the melody and rhythm and the students echoing by rote. 

Find the syncopated rhythms in the music. Sometimes these are created with ties, sometimes there are dotted notes and sometimes there are eighth/quarter/eighth combinations. Find examples of each kind of syncopated rhythm and see where they are repeated.


Classroom or Vocal Studio

Use this song as a discussion starter when exploring character traits such as community, respect, empathy, acceptance, responsibility, etc.

Use discussion to make an emotional connection with the song.


Focus on / discuss specific lyrics:

  “Every face is different, yet we are all the same.”

  “We have the same hopes and fears and dreams for the future.”

How are students the same as other people they know? How are they different? We are all part of community and the world. Our differences make us unique and our similarities unite us.

  “We are the children of the world.”

Does this include adults?

Comparing the age of the world with the age of the people who live here, even adults are children of the world. We all learn throughout our lives regardless of our age.

   “We know the future’s in our hands.”

Is this just the responsibility of the adults? Of the children? Or all of us?

  “Yesterday was yours, we have tomorrow, but in between we all must share today.”

We are all responsible for how we treat others and our planet.


Learning the Music

Teaching this song as part of an elementary music class may involve more rote learning versus trying to read the complicated syncopated rhythms. The melody and lyrics are created with natural flow that should be fairly easy for students to learn by rote.

The amount of lyrics may prove to be challenging to learn. Singers may be divided into groups to learn specific parts of each verse. This allows students a moment to be in the spotlight without expecting them to be responsible for all the lyrics.


23 Cross-curricular Activities

23 Cross-curricular activities are provided in the PDF download (Unison / optional 2-part version) extending the focus of this song to other subject areas including:

  • Fine arts: music, visual art, drama,
  • Language arts
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Technology

Colouring Page - download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song We are the Children of the World. Enjoy!

We are the Children of the World - Colouring page - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - artwork by Richard Bennett

Composer's Notes

We are the Children of the World

I cannot remember the initial inspiration for this song. I do remember the lyrics for the opening chorus came quickly and the “pop balled” style evolved as I wrote the piece. I also remember struggling with the chord progressions of the song. Every time I would finish a section, the key would seem to need to change. I really tried hard not to create this song with all the key changes, but the music “had its way” and the key changes became part of the song. 

I wanted to create a song with a positive message for my students. Sharing the world peacefully, embracing our differences and celebrating the things that unite us were important concepts. I had young singers in my school choir who were starting to learn the skill of singing simple harmony parts and the descant line was added. I used the song as an all-school finale with over 400 students and the ending worked well with the “folding over” of the final phrases, again incorporating harmony that was simple and easily accessible.

Later, I created SATB choir harmonies to be added in a joint performance with treble choir. The depth of the harmonies provided by the adult singers was lovely as they supported the simple treble voices. Truly, we are all “children of the world” regardless of our age. Sharing the joy of making music across ages and generations is a fitting way to celebrate the fact that we are all “children of the world.”

You Are Invited

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

If you have a performance video - we might be able to post it on this page. 

Thanks!

Song starts at 0:35

Send us your video of We are the Children of the World and perhaps we can post it here.

Turn it Around - song / music by Donna Rhodenizer - return to store - image

The post We are the Children of the World appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/we-are-the-children-of-the-world-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Penguin Parade https://donnaandandy.com/product/penguin-parade-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/penguin-parade-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Sun, 04 Feb 2024 23:42:49 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517807 The penguins are on the move! Where are they going? They reach the water, suddenly stop and then with a belly flop, into the water they go! After swimming is over and they are heading for home, they look like penguin metronomes as they waddle side to side.

Descriptive lyrics create an interesting image of penguins going about their daily activities. Children love learning about these fascinating creatures. Songs about penguins make great performance pieces for festivals, recitals and school concerts.

Penguin Parade challenges singers as they navigate interval jumps that are based on the I-IV-V chords that accompany the song. This is also a great song for exploring 6/8 meter. Actions can be added to create visual interest as the song is sung. An instrumental verse provides the opportunity to repeat the actions while engaging in “inner hearing” or simply waddle like a penguin metronome until concluding the song by singing the first verse again.

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
  • 15 Cross-curricular Activities
  • Colouring page

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Penguin Parade

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

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

Penguin Parade - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

Penguin Parade 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.


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

15 cross-curricular activities

15 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,
  • Language arts
  • Physical Activity
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Technology

Teacher Tips

Exploring vocabulary


Read the lyrics aloud and discuss any unfamiliar words.

  • Do all students know what a belly flop is?
  • What is a metronome? This may require some online searching as many metronomes are now digital. Metronomes used to be wound with a key and had a moving pendulum that would swing side to side keeping the beat. A penguin would resemble this “old fashioned” type of metronome.

Expressive singing

  • Discuss the descriptive words to accent to create an expressive performance.
  • Use crisp consonants and clear diction to tell the story with expression.
  • Add facial expressions to complement the words. Be aware that too many movements can be distracting!

 Add Actions

  • Suggested actions are provided in the PDF download.

Include a dance


Include a penguin dance during the instrumental 2nd “verse” of the song.

  • Use the actions you created when you were singing the song. Don’t sing the words, just do the actions. This uses the skill of inner hearing.
  • Create your own unique dance during the instrumental section.

Have a parade


This marching song is a perfect time to practice some marching, and keeping the beat with your feet!



Actions suggested by the composer  

Bars 9-14 

- keep your feet stationary, but move your body side to side to simulate a waddling penguin

Where will they go?

- hands out to the sides, palms facing up and shrug the  shoulders

With a funny hop

- after singing the word “hop” actually hop in your spot Stop - as you sing the word “Stop” hold both hands up like the sign for “Stop”

Jump into the water

- move both hands forward and away from the body in an arc showing the trajectory of a diving penguin

With a belly flop

- hold one hand at waist level, palm facing up. Move the other hand in a large arc while singing “with a belly” and on the word “flop” the hands connect in a flat clap

After swimming is over

- make swimming motions

Everybody goes home

- wave goodbye

Bars 29-32       

- repeat the waddling motions used in the opening bars

Colouring Page - Download

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

Penguin Parade - Song for Young Singers - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

Composer's Notes

Penguin Parade

I wrote four penguin songs for a teacher at my school who wanted to add some music to a penguin unit she was doing with her students. I didn’t have any songs to offer her but I agreed to write her some. She had a poem about penguins going on parade and she gave me a copy in case it would be useful for my writing. I wrote a little melody to go along with the poem and the students had fun learning it as part of their penguin unit. Later, I wanted to include Penguin Parade in a printed collection of my songs (Computer Cat). Finding it difficult to track down the authors of the poem, I decided it would be easier to write my own lyrics. I already had the melody I had created so I added my new lyrics and then it was easy to include the song in my collection with the other three penguin songs I had written. The penguin set includes a march, a waltz, a country line dance and jaunty “boom chick” style song. It was so much fun to write this collection of songs. Just like the penguins in The Penguin Ball, I was rather sad to come to the end of my penguin song-writing fun. For now, four penguin songs will have to be enough, but you never know, there just might be another penguin song in my future!

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 Penguin Parade and perhaps we can post it here.

Penguin songs - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

The post Penguin Parade appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/penguin-parade-song-for-young-singers-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 Pondering Penguins https://donnaandandy.com/product/pondering-penguins-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/pondering-penguins-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Mon, 06 Nov 2023 02:37:36 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517301 Pondering Penguins explores the unique characteristics of penguins. They cannot fly, but they love to swim. They have specially designed feathers that keep them warm. They always look like they are dressed up in a dinner jacket. A father penguin holds the egg on his feet to keep it warm until it hatches. It would be fun to go on an expedition to meet a penguin!

This song has two melody options: one with larger interval jumps and one with a more simple vocal line to accommodate younger singers. The style of the song has the feel of a country line dance. In fact, there are instructions for a line dance provided in the teaching tips and strategies for those students who want to add some dance moves to their presentation during the short instrumental “B” section of the song.

A bonus recorder part is also provided for students to play along during the instrumental “B” section of the song. This penguin package is packed with fun!

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score (simple melody)
  • Vocal score (advanced melody)
  • Lead sheet
  • Recorder score
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide (both simple and advanced melody options are provided)
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Teaching Tips and Strategies
  • 13 Cross-curricular Activities
  • Donna & Andy band - instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy - performance track
  • Colouring page

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Pondering Penguins

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Pondering Penguins

Pondering Penguins - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

Pondering Penguins 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 - 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.

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
  • Physical Activity
  • Social studies
  • 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.

Create a Penguin Presentation

Create a presentation for invited guests (family members, administrators, another class).
Sing all four of Donna’s penguin songs:

  • I Wonder (a jaunty “boom chick”’ style song)
  • Penguin Parade (a march)
  • Pondering Penguins (a country line dance)
  • The Penguin Ball (a waltz)

Add costumes.
Have students share penguin facts between each song.

   PDF download includes breakdown of activities accommodating specific grade levels

      e.g. recorder part, movement, melody variants

Colouring Page - Download

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

Pondering Penguins - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer

Composer's Notes

Pondering Penguins is one of four songs that I wrote at the request of a teacher at my school who was doing a penguin unit with her students. She wanted to augment her unit with some songs and I agreed to write something for her. When her students came to their next music class with me, they had many great penguin facts to tell me. In Pondering Penguins I included lots of the facts the students had told me: penguins cannot fly, they love to dive and swim, they have special feathers that help keep them warm, the father penguin holds the egg on his feet to keep it warm until it hatches, and they have a call that is not very musical by human standards. I ended up writing four penguin songs for them. I wanted to write each penguin song with different musical styles. Pondering Penguins ended up with a country shuffle feel and we created a line dance to go with it. I had great fun creating my set of penguin songs and the students had great fun singing them.

You Are Invited

You are invited to send us your performance of Pondering Penguins

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 Pondering Penguins and perhaps we can post it here.

Penguin songs - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/pondering-penguins-song-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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