Character Trait Education Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/product-tag/songs-for-character-trait-education-by-donna-rhodenizer/ Music by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:58:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://donnaandandy.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-Logo-Red-Castle-Publishing-Music-by-Donna-Andy.png Character Trait Education Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/product-tag/songs-for-character-trait-education-by-donna-rhodenizer/ 32 32 See My Little Candle / See the Snowflakes Falling https://donnaandandy.com/product/see-my-little-candle-see-the-snowflakes-falling-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/see-my-little-candle-see-the-snowflakes-falling-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Tue, 02 Dec 2025 01:49:23 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=521338 See My Little Candle is a simple, heart-felt song about sharing our light with those around us. Even a small candle, when shared with others brings light to all.

See the Snowflakes Falling
A second set of lyrics using the same melody, allows the focus of the song to centre around snowflakes rather than candles.

Having a double set of lyrics makes this simple song a versatile repertoire option for vocal studio recitals and school concerts featuring young singers. Both options are suitable for seasonal concerts, and at time of year.

This melody is written with simple quarter note and half note rhythms with stepwise movement between notes. The range of the melody stays within a sixth, from D4-B4, a comfortable, natural range for young singers.

The ABA form of the song helps create length while keeping the lyric load manageable for young singers. The one-verse song is the opening A section. The B section is an 8-bar instrumental break giving singers a chance to re-focus and prepare to sing the verse again for the closing A section. A small battery-operated candle can be lit during the 8-bar instrumental break for an effective visual addition to the performance. Alternatively, a snowflake prop can be included.

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score (both options)
  • Lead sheet (both options)
  • Director/piano score (both options)
  • Lyrics (both options)
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Teaching Tips

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See My Little Candle

See the Snowflakes Falling

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for See my Little Candle / See the Snowflakes Falling

See My Little Candle - song by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics - SAMPLE
See the Snowflakes Falling - song by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics - SAMPLE

Teaching Tips

Teaching Tips

Introduce the song

Connect with the students to engage them in the topic of the song. This can be done by asking them questions that relate to the song that also resonate with something in their daily lives.

Expressive singing

Discuss ways to sing expressively.

  • Sing with a gentle sound
  • Sing smoothly, connecting the notes and creating legato phrases
  • Have students move their hand to trace the shape of the rising and falling melody line. Use a fluid and smooth motion – mirroring the legato phrases that are being sung.
  • Use clear diction to present the story being told

Concert Presentation

Add small, battery-operated candles to create an effective visual element for the performance of See My Little Candle.

Add snowflakes for a visual element for the performance of See the Snowflakes Falling.


Music Elements

Discuss ABA form.

This song has the same lyrics sung in the opening and closing sections of the piece (A sections) and the 8-bar instrumental break creates the B section within the ABA form.

Look around the classroom or vocal studio for ABA patterns such as window, door, window or chair, music stand, chair, etc.

Can students think of other physical examples of ABA form?

Composer's Notes

See my Little Candle / See the Snowflakes Falling

I was thinking about school Christmas concerts. This is not an unusual activity for me, considering my career as an elementary music teacher. What was unusual is the fact that I was doing this thinking six years after I had retired! This thought process was tweaked after a conversation I had with a teaching colleague about their upcoming December concert season. We talked specifically about songs for the “Littles” that are such an important part of every school concert.

The next morning I was lying in bed, enjoying comfy, warm blankets and a bit of cool air coming in from an open window. I started thinking about snow and the first lines of the song came to my mind. The tune arrived at the same time as the lyrics “See the snowflakes falling, drifting down like a comfy blanket covering the ground.” This thought was enough to inspire me to grab a pen and paper (always kept nearby for just an occasion) and I jotted down my idea using solfege and simple rhythm notation. I have used these tools for a LONG time!

When I got up, I started working on crafting the song. I knew I wanted it to be simple and easy for children to sing who were new to school and perhaps heading into their first school concert. I created four lines of poetry that worked for me, adjusted the melody and, within a short time, I had a new song.

Andy and I had been working on updating a resource list of winter and Christmas songs I have written. Many schools have gone to winter concerts and my song list reflects this shift with many of my songs written on the topic of snow. I thought that my gentle melody was also quite suited to a candle theme and that might be a nice change from snow, so I set about writing alternate candle lyrics. It was a marketing decision to publish this song as “See My Little Candle” with the alternate lyrics being “See the Snowflakes Falling”. The candle title might help the song stick out more rather than it getting lost in a blizzard of snow songs, and either version works for Littles to sing.

This song has a simple melody, but it has a nice feel to it. I think the plaintive, innocent quality of the song makes it a lovely addition to repertoire for young singers – whether they are singing about candles or snow. It makes me (almost) wish I had a school Christmas concert to plan and present with a bunch of kids!

You're Invited

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

Send us your video of See My Little Candle or See the Snowflakes Falling

and perhaps we can post it here.

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

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/see-my-little-candle-see-the-snowflakes-falling-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 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 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

The post Star Above appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/star-above-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 1 I Really Need to Know https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-really-need-to-know-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-really-need-to-know-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Thu, 09 May 2024 01:27:25 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=518287 “Who, what, where, when, and why” are questions that should result in answers! Many things in our natural world are worthy of our curiosity, from small lightning bugs and giant dinosaurs to the galaxy and ancient mysteries - to mention only a few! This cheery melody swings along while playing with fun word combinations that require focus and concentration.

The lyrics of I Really Need to Know are set in a swinging melody that follows the rhythmic cadence of the English language. This creates a natural feel and is easily accessible for young singers. Accidentals in the melody make this song an excellent vehicle for highlighting  and discussing how accidentals change notes. The vocal range is carefully placed within a comfortable range for young voices with occasional dips to the outer edges of the range providing some stretching for developing voices. I Really Need to Know is a super song for upper elementary choirs and vocal soloists. It is also a fun addition to school concerts and vocal studio recitals.

Teachers using Character Trait Education with their students can utilize I Really Need to Know as a launching point for discussing curiosity, asking questions and exploring the natural world, and beyond!

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
  • Teaching Tips and Strategies
  • Colouring page

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I Really Need to Know

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for I Really Need to Know.

I Really Need to Know - Song for Young Singers - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker - Lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

I Really Need to Know is one of 10 songs from the song collection "A Jolly Bunch are We". Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker have written these songs in a variety of styles and skill levels for singers from ages 5-12+.

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

A Jolly Bunch Are We - CD by Donna & Andy - CD case - front cover image

Stream and purchase Audio tracks

Stream or Purchase I Really Need to Know from many streaming sites including:

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

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

Teacher Tips

Warm-ups

Try some spoken tongue twisters and sung tongue twisters to warm up before singing this song.

Introducing the song

Ask the students what they are curious about.

What things do they like to learn about?

Does anyone know any facts about the things listed in the verses of the song?

  • Why/how do lightning bugs light up?
  • What do the students know about dinosaurs?
  • Can anyone share any information about stars or galaxies?
  • What animals roar?
  • What are some famous ships?
  • Does anyone know any ships that are famous because they sank?

Expressive Singing

  • Explore the lyrics of the song and discover what words to emphasize to create an expressive performance.
  • Use clear diction and dynamic changes to create an expressive performance.

The 5 Ws

  • Choose a topic and discover the answers to “who, what, where, when, and why” relating to that topic. Another question, not included in the song, is the question, “How”.
  • Write a song, a poem or a story about your topic using the answers you have discovered.

Character Education

  • How does curiosity affect what happens in our every day lives?
  • How can curiosity help us learn?
  • Is curiosity always a good thing?
  • What are some things that have happened in our world because someone was curious?

Score Study

  • Many accidentals have been included to create the melody of this song.
  • Discuss how an accidental is used to change the pitch of a note.
  • Provide students with the vocal score and find bars where accidentals have been added.
  • Discuss which pitches are affected and sing those bars to see how the melody sounds.
  • A one-page explanation of accidentals used in this song is provided in the Teaching Tips PDF download.

Colouring Page - Download

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

I Really Need To Know - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker - coloured image - by Richard Bennett

Composer's Notes

I Really Need to Know

My students all know that I talk quickly and even when I try to slow down, it doesn’t last very long. When I get excited I can really get going! In addition to talking quickly, I also like tongue twisters and interesting word combinations. The idea for I Really Need to Know came when I was thinking about how it feels to say the 5 w’s: Who, what, where, when, why. The tricky word combination: “why did who did do what they did” also popped into my head and it seemed to me to be a fun group of words to navigate. The swinging style of the melody is a favourite feel I like to use when writing for young singers. It is cheery and it suits the natural rhythms that we use when speaking. That makes a song easier to sing and it feels very natural as well. It felt like the lyrics needed to examine things we might want to explore when asking all those questions. Andy & I wrote down some things we thought were interesting like lightning bugs and dinosaurs, stars and galaxies, world explorers in boats (with a reference hinting at those ships that were famous because they didn’t float!) and the verses fell into place. I categorize this type of song as a “list” song which is not my usual mode of writing. I usually write more story songs, but as a composer, I try not to turn down the creative ideas that come my way. After all, a list song is still a song!

I introduced this song to my school choir around 2011 and we sang it at a good clip with a tongue twister kind of vibe. Later, Andy and I were asked to submit a song for a commercial project and we tried this as a slower, swing style piece and that seemed to work well, so that is the style that we kept for the final version. Now you really know “who, what, where, when and why”!

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 I Really Need to Know and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-really-need-to-know-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

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/we-are-the-children-of-the-world-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 My Kaleidoscope View https://donnaandandy.com/product/my-kaleidoscope-view-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/my-kaleidoscope-view-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:15:30 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517101 There are many expressions in the English language that describe emotions using colours: feeling peachy, feeling blue, tickled pink, etc. My Kaleidoscope View combines these idioms in a jazzy style, creating a fun song for elementary choirs or solo singers.

The melody includes syncopated rhythms, switches between bluesy major/minor thirds, supported by the swinging accompaniment. The melody falls within C#4-D5, designed to comfortably fit the vocal range of young singers. The fluid melody lines are easily accessible with some chromatic note passages and accidentals that create interesting colours and a bit of challenge. With a musical theatre feel, My Kaleidoscope View is sure to become a favourite with singers age 10 and up.

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

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My Kaleidoscope View

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

My Kaleidoscope View - Song Composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

My Kaleidoscope View is one of 10 songs from the CD "A Jolly Bunch Are We". Donna Rhodenizer has written 9 of the 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. Enjoy! 

A Jolly Bunch Are We - CD by Donna & Andy - CD case - front cover image

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

Discuss the jazz elements of the song:

Switching between minor and major thirds is a stylistic element used in jazz. Find the spots in the melody where these notes occur.

Other notes are changed by adding accidentals. Discuss how accidentals work. Once they have changed a note in a bar, every note that is the same will also be changed, without adding another accidental. However, once you leave that bar, the accidental is no longer in effect unless it is added again. Remembering which notes are changed and which ones are not takes  practice!

Look at the vocal score and find the tied notes and syncopations that give the song its swinging jazz feeling. Sometimes the syncopations are created by starting a phrase on beat two with a rest on beat one.

The metronome marking at the beginning of the piece states “swing the eighths”. This means that eighth notes will not be sung as two notes of equal value even though that is how they are written. Swinging the eighth notes means that the first eighth note will be held longer and the second eighth note will be shortened. The music will have a lilt or a “swing” because of this.

Performance suggestions

Add visual colour to the performance by adding colourful scarves as props, or if there are multiple members in your ensemble, dress in a variety of colours that are mentioned in the song.

Composer's Notes

My Kaleidoscope View

I remember one Christmas when we received a brand new colouring book (not handed down from one of my two older sisters!) and a big box of 48 crayons. I think it even had a sharpener in the back of the box. Midnight Blue was a favourite colour for my sisters and me. There were various shades of blue, including multiple turquoise options, and enough reds to make that Christmas colouring book vibrate with our colourful choices. What fun we had colouring at our big dining room table. I expect it also was lovely for our parents to have us quietly occupied during our extended colouring sessions!

In language we also have a large palette of colours that are sprinkled throughout our language we can be green with envy, feeling blue, tickled pink, etc.  I started jotting down all the different idioms that involved colours and started organizing them into lyrics for a song. When I ran out of the idioms I could think of off the top of my head, I did an online search to see if there were more that I had missed (and there were!). Remembering my joyful childhood colouring sessions I thought all those colourful emotions might be like that big box of crayons with its 48 colours!

I set all the colourful idioms to music using a jazzy, swing style. Although there is a range of emotions from “black as thunder” to “as good as gold” I liked focusing on the optimistic attitude of viewing the world with “rose-coloured glasses” and the fact that “as a friend I am true blue” so I repeated those lyrics for a bit of positive reinforcement. Since there were so many words, I wanted to include a few breaks here and there. Whistling a phrase has always been a fun challenge for my students so I added that in as well. It seemed fitting to combine all those colours from my “box of crayons” into one big, colourful attitude, and voilà! I ended up with My Kaleidoscope View.

I was delighted to have retired high school band teacher and long-time friend, Richard Bennett, create the amazing big-band style arrangement of this song for me. He captured the feel of the song and helped add even more depth and colour to My Kaleidoscope View!

You Are invited

You are invited to send us your performance of My Kaleidoscope View.

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!

Kaleidoscope Krayons - artwork by Richard Bennett

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

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/my-kaleidoscope-view-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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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/im-wishing-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 A Jolly Bunch Are We – Donna & Andy CD https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-jolly-bunch-are-we-donna-andy-cd/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-jolly-bunch-are-we-donna-andy-cd/#comments Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:11:38 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=516456 Nominated - 2024 Music Nova Scotia - Children's Artist of the Year

Nominated - 2024 ECMA (East Coast Music Awards) - Children's Entertainer of the Year

Donna & Andy have released their 7th studio recording featuring their original children’s music. Backed by a jolly bunch of studio musicians, the CD features songs in a variety of styles, including: marching band, big band, country shuffle and bluegrass!

Donna & Andy’s attention to musical details, their tasteful use of harmony and unique instrument combinations make each track a pleasure for both children AND adults. Once again, they have included banjo on at least one track of the CD, there is a full marching band and a 17-piece big band. The recording studio must have been crowded!

The lyrics reflect this duo’s wit and imagination as they sing about a sea-faring bunch of jolly sailors, a compliant giant, tango-dancing snakes, their never-ending laundry chores and other songs that are sure to become family favourites.

Listen to a few Donna & Andy performance track samples
See full track list in Description below or on this streaming site

Jolly Sailors 

Turn it Around 

I Really Need to Know 

The Compliant Giant 

See you Later Alligator 

Download Includes:

    • 10 Donna & Andy Performance Tracks
    • 10 Full-band instrumental Tracks

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A Jolly Bunch Are We - CD

by Donna & Andy

Audio and Lyrics

Jolly Sailors

Jolly Sailors - Lyrics - (song composed by Donna Rhodenizer) from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

Turn it Around

Turn it Around - Lyrics - (song composed by Donna Rhodenizer) from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

When You're Smiling

When You're Smiling - Lyrics - from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

I Really Need to Know

I Really Need to Know - Lyrics - (song composed by Donna Rhodenizer) from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

Don't Make Me Do Laundry

Don't Make Me Do Laundry - Lyrics - (song composed by Donna Rhodenizer) from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

My Kaleidoscope View

My Kaleidoscope View - Lyrics (song composed by Donna Rhodenizer) from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

A Snake Tango Tale

A Snake Tango Tale - Lyrics - (song composed by Donna Rhodenizer) from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

The Compliant Giant

The Compliant Giant - Lyrics - (song composed by Donna Rhodenizer) from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

Music in the Kitchen

Music in the Kitchen - Lyrics (song composed by Donna Rhodenizer) from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

See You Later, Alligator

See You Later, Alligator - Lyrics - (song composed by Donna Rhodenizer) from the Donna & Andy CD - A Jolly Bunch Are We

Print Music

Stream on various Apps

Stream and download from various applications (e.g. iTunes and Spotify)

You Are invited

You are invited to send us your performances of the songs on 

A Jolly Bunch Are We

Maybe your video will be featured here on this page.

Please Leave a Review

Scroll up to the "Reviews" tab and let us know what you think of our new CD! Thanks!

A Jolly Bunch Are We - CD by Donna & Andy - CD disc - image
A Jolly Bunch Are We - CD by Donna & Andy - CD case - back cover image
A Jolly Bunch Are We - CD by Donna & Andy - CD case - inside left face
A Jolly Bunch Are We - CD by Donna & Andy - CD case - inside right face
Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-jolly-bunch-are-we-donna-andy-cd/feed/ 1 Just Passing By https://donnaandandy.com/product/just-passing-by-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/just-passing-by-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#comments Fri, 14 Apr 2023 22:08:58 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=516023 Just Passing By is perfect for graduation ceremonies and celebrating the end of the school year. This song explores celebrating friendship, looking ahead, and saying goodbye but remembering shared experiences. The words are appropriate for singers of all ages to sing for retirements and other farewells.

This song is sure to be a hit with students (and adults!) of all ages.

Voicing Options:

  • Unison - key of Eb
  • Unison - key of G
  • SSA – key of G

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Listen to this SSA version - by The Aeolian Singers, Halifax NS, Canada:

Unison Download includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Bonus: Donna & Andy - performance track
  • Donna & Andy band - instrumental track (key of E♭)
  • 12 Cross-curricular Activities
  • Colouring page

SSA Download includes:

  • SSA score (vocal and piano)
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - piano

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Just Passing By

by Donna Rhodenizer

Unison - Key of Eb

Context       Choir: elementary, middle school, high school, adult/community, vocal solo

Level                Age 12 and up, grade 4-6, middle school, high school, adult

Vocal Range     B♭3 - C5 

Audio Sample   melody plus piano

Just Passing By - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE - artwork by Richard Bennett

Unison - Key of G

Context      Choir: elementary, middle school, high school, adult/community, vocal solo

Level                Age 12 and up, middle school, high school, adult

Vocal Range     D4 - E5

Audio Sample   Sample track - melody plus piano

Just Passing By - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE - artwork by Richard Bennett

Unison - Key of G

Context      Choir: elementary, middle school, high school, adult/community, vocal solo

Level                Age 12 and up, middle school, high school, adult

Vocal Range     D4 - E5

Audio Sample   Sample track - melody plus piano

Just Passing By - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE - artwork by Richard Bennett

SSA - Key of G

Context             Choir: elementary, middle school, high school, adult/community

Level                 Age 12 and up, middle school, high school, adult

Audio Sample   SSA - performed by The Aeolian Singers, Halifax NS, Canada

Just Passing By - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE - artwork by Richard Bennett

Part of a Song Collection

Just Passing By is one of 12 songs from the award-winning song collection "Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me". Donna Rhodenizer has written these songs in a variety of styles and skill levels for singers from ages 5-12+.

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

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

Stream and purchase Audio tracks

Stream or Purchase from many streaming sites including: 

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


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

Teaching and Performing tips

Concert Repertoire

Just Passing By is perfect for graduation ceremonies and celebrating the end of the school year with your students. This song explores celebrating friendship, looking ahead, and saying goodbye but remembering shared experiences. Play the performance track for your special students or have them learn the song and sing it themselves using the instrumental accompaniment track. Written in a pop style, this song is sure to be a hit with students (and adults!) of all ages. 

Just Passing By - Grad Cap and Diploma

Expressive Singing

Discuss the words of the song.

Use dynamics to support the lyrics and sing expressively.

The mood of this song is optimistic even though the singer is saying goodbye.

The key change before the third chorus helps “lift” the piece and give it some momentum.

Use the higher, brighter sound created by the key change to convey the sense of optimism of the lyrics.

Form

Just Passing By begins with the chorus. The form of the piece is ABABA - Chorus, verse, chorus, verse, altered chorus.

Although there are three choruses, in the third chorus the words change.

How will you sing the third chorus differently than the previous two choruses?

Musical Roadmap

You will need to know how to follow the musical “road map” of this song.

Discuss repeat signs and 1st and 2nd endings.

Follow the music as you listen to the performance track.

Special Graduation Presentation

Have each member of the graduating class provide their photo from Kindergarten plus a more recent photo.

Organize the photos in two-photo groupings showing the younger photo first and then reveal who that youngster is by showing their recent photo.

Use the performance track of Just Passing By as the background for your photo presentation for a memorable walk down "memory lane".

Donna & Andy - very young & not so young

Cross-curricular Extensions 

The Just Passing By  cross-curricular extensions are provided in the following subject areas:

-  Language Arts

-  Personal Development

-  Visual Art

-  Memory Skills

-  Social Studies

-  Personal development

-  History

-  Math

Sequential instructions are provided for each activity. Preparation/supplies are indicated

View activities sample pages here

Download with your purchase of the unison versions of Just Passing By

Listen and discuss

Extend the song into a time of discussion and personal reflection.

  •   Listen to the performance track (vocals and band) of Just Passing By
  •   Read the lyrics and get to know the music.
  •   Use Just Passing By to initiate and stimulate engaging discussion with students.

- How do the students feel about graduating?

- Discuss the emotions of ending one phase of life and beginning another.

- At what other occasions might people feel these same emotions?

12 cross-curricular activities

12 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
  • History
  • Math
  • Multi-curricular
  • Personal development
  • Social studies

Colouring Page - Download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song Just Passing By 

Just Passing By - song by Donna Rhodenizer

Composer's Notes

Just Passing By

Just Passing By was written for a very special group of grade six students who were leaving my elementary school music program and moving on to grade seven in a different school. It was sad to see them go but we were all excited about the possibilities that were ahead of them.

The inspiration for the song came from my discovery of a quote made by famous Quaker missionary, Stephen Grellet (1773-1855):

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I will not pass this way again.”

Not only did this quote inspire the writing of my song, but it was also good advice for being kind and making a positive difference in the world around us. I made a poster of this quote and had it on the wall in my music room for many years.

Over the years I have initiated discussions with my “graduating” students about their excitement and trepidation surrounding leaving elementary school and moving on to a different school with new possibilities and lots of unknowns. The bonds we form with our friends is a great source of strength as we grow together, and a source of comfort when we remember those who we may no longer see, but who have helped us on our journey so far.

Changing the final chorus of Just Passing By helped create a positive spin on this farewell song. “As we pass by, our memories will not let this end. If just in memories, I know we’ll pass this way again.”

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 of Just Passing By - we might be able to post it on this page!

Just Passing By - song by Donna Rhodenizer - artwork by Richard Bennett

Send us your video of Just Passing By and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

The post Just Passing By appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/just-passing-by-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 1 The Compliant Giant https://donnaandandy.com/product/the-compliant-giant-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/the-compliant-giant-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2022 23:25:25 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=514360 The compliant giant is part of a village where cooperation, acceptance of differences and compromises create a happy community. It is a gentle life lesson.

Young singers enjoy demonstrating their best giant imitation as they sing “Fee Fie Foe Fum” in a descending “la-so-fa-mi” melodic line. With many interjections of this repeated line, the song is a good length without requiring a lot of word memorization. Three key changes (one for each verse) help stretch the vocal range, although the song still remains within an octave. Dramatic flair, dynamic contrasts and expressive singing bring this song to life.

Listen to Donna's KCA choir:

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

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

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The Compliant Giant

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics - Kids Love Saying/singing - Fee, Fie, Foe, Fum

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the tracks for The Compliant Giant

     Piano Accompaniment - with melody guide

     Donna's elementary school choir

     Donna & Andy - performance 

The Compliant Giant - Composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics
The Compliant Giant - Composed by Donna Rhodenizer - vocal score - SAMPLE

Part of a Song Collection

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

Learn more about this fun collection. Enjoy! 

Stream And Purchase Audio Tracks

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

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

Teaching Tips

Discuss dynamic contrast - loud and soft.

Look at the printed music to find the music symbols that indicate when the music should be louder and when it should be softer.

Locate and discuss the staccato and accent markings. These symbols indicate that specific notes should be sung short/detached or stronger with an accent. 

Use dynamics to create interest when singing repeated lines in the song.

If singing in unison, all students will need to be able to sing stronger and then softer to create the dynamic contrast.

Select a small group of students to sing the "fee fie foe fum" responses.

Choose a giant "soloist" to add a dramatic, spoken "fee fie foe fum" at the conclusion of the song.

Speak the lyrics before singing them, working on clear diction and expressive presentation.

Colouring Page - Free download

Download, print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song The Compliant Giant.

The Compliant Giant - Song by Donna Rhodenizer Colouring page - by Richard Bennett

Composers Notes

The Compliant Giant

You can ask anybody, “Who says, “Fee, fie, fo, fum?” and pretty much every time the answer will be “a giant”. I am not sure who decided that this was true, but it seems to be so. I have some lovely memories of “The Friendly Giant” a Canadian children’s program that aired in the 1960s. This gentle giant often held music parties in his castle where his farm animal friends would join him to play recorder, guitar and harp selections. He also read books and chatted with his friends, Rusty the rooster and Jerome the giraffe. I don’t recall that he ever said “fee fie fo fum”, but I was very young and I might have missed that part. I do know that spending time at the castle with “The Friendly Giant” was a magical 20-minutes of television, every weekday morning during my pre-school years. It was probably appreciated just as much (or more!) by frazzled parents as it was by us children. However, I digress.

Giants are often depicted as something to fear, but my experience was that giants can be friendly and loved by their friends and neighbours. I love rhyming words and playing with word combinations and a compliant giant sounded like a great idea for a song. What did the giant do that gained him the reputation of being compliant? He would have to get along with everyone. Maybe he could be helpful. What could he do? What would I want to do with a giant if I had one in my neighborhood? My giant would be careful, making sure to tiptoe (NEVER running) when moving around the village so he didn’t accidently step on anyone. Maybe he could pick people up and give them rides, or just help them get from point A to point  B quickly. But wait, what would a giant eat? Maybe there could be benefits to both sides if the giant helped the people and the people made sure the giant had lots to eat.  Now there was a story just waiting to be told, and of course, I had to include “Fee fie foe fum” in the lyrics!

I had a school choir at the time and I decided to write “Compliant Giant” for them. I included an echo (giving twice as many opportunities to sing the fun “fee fie fo fum” lyrics) and I wrote this phrase as a descending minor line with a marching feel to the melody. When I first introduced it in a music class, I had a group of boys who were very interested in singing “like a giant.”  I let the students know it would be one of the songs the school choir would be singing in a concert. My giant was compliant and he was also a teeny bit complicit in my overall plan to introduce my students to the love of singing in a choir.  The lively interest in the song resulted in many students signing up for choir that term. The choir loved singing about my compliant giant and even hesitant singers got caught up in the fun and joined in. Once they discovered how much fun it was to sing in a choir, they were hooked. I always try to include one “giant” kind of song in my choir repertoire and it always helps young singers make the decision to take part. A giant step for them on the path to life-long music making.

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!

The Compliant Giant - song by Donna Rhodenizer

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

Giant - Donna & Andy website - Return to Store image - artwork by artist Richard Bennett

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