Warm-up Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/product-tag/warm-up/ Music by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker Sun, 15 Mar 2026 01:32:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://donnaandandy.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-Logo-Red-Castle-Publishing-Music-by-Donna-Andy.png Warm-up Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/product-tag/warm-up/ 32 32 Jingle Bells – Scarf Activity https://donnaandandy.com/product/jingle-bells-scarf-activity-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/jingle-bells-scarf-activity-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Fri, 23 Jan 2026 21:10:02 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=521400 Choosing repertoire for Kindergarten students is particularly tricky when students have had only a few months of music classes. Many students have not discovered their singing voices and those who have may not have developed the skill of matching the pitch of others and singing in tune.

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

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

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

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

The post Jingle Bells – Scarf Activity appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]>
1 shares
Share 0
Share 0
Pin 1
Share 0
Post 0
Post

Share this page using these social links!

Jingle Bells - Scarf Activity

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

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

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

Teaching Tips

Teaching Tips

Add Scarves and Movement

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

Movement and scarf suggestions are included in the download.

ABA form

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

Combine Classes

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

French Language Options

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

Jingle All the Way!

Include jingle bells in your performance.

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

Composer's Notes

Jingle Bells - Scarf Activity

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

You're Invited

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

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

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

The post Jingle Bells – Scarf Activity appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/jingle-bells-scarf-activity-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Freebie – Tongue Twisters https://donnaandandy.com/product/freebie-tongue-twisters-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/freebie-tongue-twisters-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Wed, 16 Apr 2025 01:14:16 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=520201 Tongue twisters are a fun way to engage students.

A tongue twister is a phrase, a sentence, or a longer passage that is written with words that cause it to be difficult to articulate properly. Tongue twisters can be spoken or sung and they can be used as a challenge, a game, a warm-up, and for fun. They can be used as an exercise to improve pronunciation and expressive delivery of text.

Tongue twisters result in funny word combinations when the words are mispronounced. Some are created so the misspoken words are ones we usually wouldn’t say – it is best to avoid those!  Enjoy the confusion and mistakes of tongue twisters and have some fun!

Download Includes:

  • Tongue Twister Overview - Teaching Strategies
  • Donna Rhodenizer Tongue Twisters to Sing (resource list)
  • Two Dozen Tricky Tongue Twisters (spoken) to try
  • More Challenging Tongue Twisters (spoken)
  • Tongue Twisters in Other Languages

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

]]>
0 shares
Share this page with your Teacher Friends 0
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
Post 0
Post

Share this page using these social links!

Tongue Twisters - freebie

by Donna Rhodenizer

The benefits of tongue twisters

Tongue twisters are a good fit for older elementary singers.

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

Spoken tongue twisters

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

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

  • clear diction
  • expressive delivery of the words

Both of these are excellent skills for singers to develop.

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

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

Fun tongue twister Activities

Tongue Twister Challenge

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

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

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

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

Create Your Own Tongue Twisters

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

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

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

            Who can successfully navigate the twisty words?

            Who can make the most difficult combination?

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


TONGUE TWISTER GENERATOR created by Jennifer Trites.

Download the PDF at:

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

Sing tongue twisters

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

Singing tongue twisters is a great warm-up activity.

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

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

Donna Rhodenizer - tongue twisters to sing

More Tongue Twisters to Sing and Purchase

5 Tongue Twisters - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

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

Pass the Pasta - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer

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

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

Seven Sassy Sailors - Tongue Twister - by Donna Rhodenizer
Witch Watches - Tongue Twister song composed by Donna Rhodenizer

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

Fish Wishes - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer

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

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

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

You are Invited

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

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

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

New Singing Games for Young Singers - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

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

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

Download Includes:

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

The post 5 Halloween Songs appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]>
5 shares
Share 0
Share 0
Pin 5
Share 0
Post 0
Post

Share this page using these social links!

5 Halloween Songs

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Blog Post - 5 Halloween Songs

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

See also - Dark Night Sky

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

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

You Are Invited

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

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

See also Dark Night Sky here

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

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

The post 5 Halloween Songs appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/5-halloween-songs-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Fish Wishes and/or Witch Watches https://donnaandandy.com/product/fish-wishes-tongue-twister-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/fish-wishes-tongue-twister-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:15:25 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=518966 Fish Wishes is a delightful tongue-twisting tale of two fishes caught in the dilemma of how to share the three wishes they have been granted. They are happy to each have a wish, but how will they share the third wish? Careful and clear enunciation will help the singer as they sing this story but, be prepared for some tongue tangles!

Singers will enjoy the challenge of mastering the tongue-twisting words written in 6/8 meter. The lyrical melody is written in a minor key within an easily accessible single octave range  (C4-C5).

Practice expressive presentation skills using Fish Wishes as a spoken choral reading for vocal lessons, music classes, drama classes, clubs and camps.

Alternate lyrics have been written using the Fish Wishes melody to create a second, wickedly fun and challenging tongue twister, Witch Watches.

3 purchase options include:

  • Fish Wishes
  • Witch Watches
  • Fish Wishes + Witch Watches - 2-song Combo

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

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

The post Fish Wishes and/or Witch Watches appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]>
1 shares
Share this page with your Teacher Friends 0
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 1
Share 0
Post 0
Post

Share this page using these social links!

Fish Wishes

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Fish Wishes and Witch Watches.

Fish Wishes - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics
Witch Watches - Tongue Twister song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Teacher Tips

Discuss the benefits and dilemmas of making wishes.

Invite students to share their favourite spoken or sung tongue twisters as vocal warm-ups before singing Fish Wishes.

Sing Fish Wishes as a performance piece or use it as a vocal warm-up.

Use expressive singing to present the song.

Use Fish Wishes as an expressive dramatic reading.

The melody of this tongue twisters is in a minor key and in 6/8 meter. Discuss these musical elements with your students.

Sing Fish Wishes as part of a tongue twister unit.

Enjoy singing Fish Wishes as a fun and engaging singing challenge.

Composer's Notes

Fish Wishes

I originally wrote the tongue twister “story” Witch Watches. It really wasn’t a Halloween song, although it works well when trying to include some thematic material in October. It was a fun challenge for my older students adding a minor tonality to the tongue twisty words. The only downside to this tale is that it is often pulled out for a few short classes in October and then returned to the shelf, gathering dust until the next year when a witch song is part of lesson planning. I think witches might want to know what time it is throughout the year, but sometimes it is difficult to get beyond the type casting.

I decided to work on composing a new story using the same melody and rhythm patterns that did not have an affiliation to any particular time of year. This creates more versatility and  more opportunities to use this fun song style and its minor tonality. I had thought I would just change enough words so the fish were also checking their watches. (Try saying “fish watches” three times and see how difficult that is!) However, when chatting to Nikki Loney (Full Voice Music) who has inspired many of my songs for young singers, she suggested wishing fishes might be a fun topic to explore. And so, a new song was created. 

Fish Wishes is just as much fun as Witch Watches, and in my opinion, it is even more difficult to sing than the word combinations in the original tongue twister. This is a great vocal challenge to sing as a performance song or as a warm-up for students in grades 4-6, middle school, high school and even adult choirs. I am pretty sure it will take all of us quite a while to sing this song with confidence and without slipping up on any of the fishy lyrics. Also, in case you haven’t heard it before, it bears repeating here: Be careful what you wish for!

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!

Go to Witch Watches page

Witch Watches and Fish Wishes are also available on the Witch Watches page.

Send us your video of Fish Wishes and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

The post Fish Wishes and/or Witch Watches appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/fish-wishes-tongue-twister-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Welcome Songs, Greeting Songs and Name-learning Songs & Games https://donnaandandy.com/product/welcome-songs-greeting-songs-and-name-learning-songs-and-games/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/welcome-songs-greeting-songs-and-name-learning-songs-and-games/#respond Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:53:44 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=518725 Welcome songs and greeting songs are a great way to start a music class and set the tone for the day. Students will know they have arrived at a happy and musical haven when they hear a welcome song or greeting song as they enter the room. Students are engaged and focused as they join in the songs.

Names are an important part of music class activities. Being able to address all students by their names creates contact and lets them feel connected. They also benefit from hearing the names of their classmates. It is amazing how many students only know the names of a few of their classmates depending on the learning configurations in their regular classroom. Small group classes in a vocal studio may have a combination of students who don’t attend the same school or who are in different classes. Learning each others’ names is a good way to build rapport and community.

This collection of singing games includes a variety of welcome songs and greeting songs for students in grades K-2, ages 5-9; and name-learning songs and name games for students in grades K-6, ages 5-11. The songs include age-appropriate music skills, and they have a variety of styles including movement-based songs, action songs, challenging rhythm patterns, and other fun elements that engage children and encourage participation.

Download Includes:

  • Vocal scores / Lead sheets
  • Game instructions
  • Accompaniment tracks
  • Teaching Tips
  • Blog post (pdf)

The post Welcome Songs, Greeting Songs and Name-learning Songs & Games appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]>
1 shares
Share this page with your Teacher Friends 0
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 1
Share 0
Post 0
Post

Share this page using these social links!

Welcome Songs, Greeting Songs, Name-learning Songs & Games

by Donna Rhodenizer 

More Information - Blog Post

Read more about Welcome Songs, Greeting Songs, Name-learning Songs & Games in this blog post. You can also download the blog post and print for future reference. Enjoy!

Sample Pages

See SAMPLE pages of scores and instructions here.

You Are Invited

When you have enjoyed trying some of these songs 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!

New Singing Games for Young Singers - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

The post Welcome Songs, Greeting Songs and Name-learning Songs & Games appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/welcome-songs-greeting-songs-and-name-learning-songs-and-games/feed/ 0 How Do You Say Hello to a Ghost? https://donnaandandy.com/product/how-do-you-say-hello-to-a-ghost-arranged-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/how-do-you-say-hello-to-a-ghost-arranged-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Sun, 22 Oct 2023 21:01:55 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517087 This song is great for vocal exploration with emerging singers. Experimenting with the voice to create different sounds (whispering, silly voices, high voices, low voices, etc.) is a steppingstone to pitch development. How Do You Say Hello to a Ghost? puts this experimentation into a fun context. If you meet a ghost in the morning, what voice will you use to say “hello”? Will you be silly or brave or quiet, or loud? What happens if you meet a ghost again, later in the day? Will you use the same voices or choose different ones?

The spoken voice responses are framed by sung verses using the melody of the traditional tune: Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush. The spoken interjections between verses are initiated with a cue from the teacher with a student response. In a classroom setting or vocal studio group class, several students may be given the opportunity to try out their voice choices. In a private vocal lesson, the single student will have the chance to try out a few different voices between each sung verse.

The conclusion of the song is a final response from the ghost who might say, “Boo!” In my music classroom, we approached this as a funny ending to the story. Throughout the song we may be worried about what the ghost is going to say, and then with the nonchalant “boo” response from the ghost everyone goes on their way. We were worried without good reason!

French lyrics for this song are also included in the PDF download.

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score (English)
  • Lyrics ( English)
  • Vocal score (French)
  • Lyrics (French)
  • Actions/instructions (English only)

The post How Do You Say Hello to a Ghost? appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]>
0 shares
Share this page with your Teacher Friends 0
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 0
Share 0
Post 0
Post 0

How Do You Say Hello to a Ghost?

arranged by Donna Rhodenizer

Lyrics and instructions

Song actions and instructions

How Do You Say Hello to a Ghost - arranged by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics
Comment dit-on bonjour au fantome - arranged by Donna Rhodnizer - lyrics

Composer's Notes

How Do You Say Hello to a Ghost?

My students arrived at the music room after reading a big book with their classroom teacher, “How Do You Say Hello to a Ghost?” (This would have been in the 1980s!) With its repetitious text and the opportunity to use the patterns from the book as a vocal exploration activity, this became a favourite activity leading up to Halloween. I appreciated the chance to present the ghost as a non-scary individual, being a firm advocate of not adding unnecessary anxiety to the lives of youngsters. However, we did have fun trying out different kinds of voices. Often we are trying to help students find a singing voice and to sing in tune so we discourage silliness. Students need play-based opportunities to see what their vocal instruments can do – and silly voices are fun! I tried to find the original book that inspired this song, but I haven’t had any luck. If anyone has a copy, or knows where I can get one, I would love to add it to my library!

You Are invited

You are invited to send us a video of your students / kids having fun with How Do You Say Hello to a Ghost?.

Maybe your video will be featured here on this page.


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

Song starts at 5:00. Enjoy!

Send us your video of How do you say Hello to a Ghost and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

The post How Do You Say Hello to a Ghost? appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/how-do-you-say-hello-to-a-ghost-arranged-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Swamp Friends https://donnaandandy.com/product/swamp-friends-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/swamp-friends-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Mon, 09 Oct 2023 21:50:17 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=516910 Swamp Friends is an informative and amusing visit to the swamp to see how the dragonflies, moose and frogs get along as neighbours. Flying creatures must watch out for the sticky tongues of the frogs but moose are not worried about those sticky tongues at all. Listen to the song to find out why!

Swamp Friends is very accessible for young singers. Simple rhythms are used within the 3/4 time melody of this two-verse song. The melody is written using mostly step-wise motion with one dramatic octave jump at the end of each verse, while the melody fits within a one-octave range. Natural breathing breaks assist the singer with maintaining good breath energy.

It is always fun to be in on a good joke. Swamp Friends has amusing imagery and dramatic flair that suits the performance needs of young singers.

Listen to melody + accompaniment

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Vocal lead sheet (with chords)
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Teaching Tips and strategies

The post Swamp Friends appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]>
2 shares
Share this page with your Teacher Friends 0
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 2
Share 0
Post 0
Post 0

Swamp Friends

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Swamp Friends - Song for Young Singers - by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Teaching Tips

Because Swamp Friends is a simple song to sing, it can be used in conjunction with other music skills. 

  1. Add a rhythmic ostinato
    • Use a phrase from the song (e.g. sticky frog tongues) or create your own! I like the rhythm that is created by saying “Moose and frogs”  (half note + quarter note + dotted half note).
  2. Add an instrument that plays on certain words in the song
    • Play an instrumental sound every time you sing the names of creatures or animals.
    • Have students follow the vocal score and play their instrument on all the half notes in the song (or play in all the rests, or choose another rhythmic element to highlight).
  3. Keep the beat
    • Have the students step on beat one of every bar. Swamp Friends is written in 3/4 meter so this will assist students in feeling the swaying feel of the song.
    • An instrument may also be used to play on beat one of each bar.

Additional detailed Teaching Tips and Strategies available in the download.

Composer's Notes

Swamp Friends

I grew up on a farm where I often pulled on my rubber boots and headed outdoors to explore. There was a swamp with cattails and lots of frogs that would sing their frog songs in the spring. A small brook ran through the cattle pasture. It was always a great place to poke about, pulling out sticks or breaking up ice to assist the bubbling water to get on its merry way. Although it wasn’t very deep, we were not supposed to be playing in the brook (sorry Mom!), but it was great fun! I didn’t see a moose until I was an adult, but I can imagine one standing in the swamp and dealing with those frogs.

I was playing with the words “butterflies, dragonflies and fireflies” trying to figure out a song about these flying creatures. As I thought about this combination of “neighbours” living in the swamp, I got to thinking about what happens when the flying creatures get caught by the frogs who also live in the swamp. As sometimes happens as I mull over an idea, the idea of adding a moose popped into my head. Who knows why these inspirations arrive in the brain? In any case, I decided to add a moose to the neighbourhood. Then I couldn’t resist adding a bit of humour as the moose dealt with those sticky frog tongues. The idea made me laugh and I expect that young singers will also be amused by the imagery of this song. It was fun trying to fit the whole story, the set up of the humour, and the final “punch line” all within a short 32-bar song.

You Are invited

You are invited to send us your performance of Swamp Friends.

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 Swamp Friends and perhaps we can post it here.

Swamp Friends - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - return to store image

The post Swamp Friends appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/swamp-friends-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Vocal Warm-ups for Choir, Elementary Schools and Vocal Studios https://donnaandandy.com/product/vocal-warm-ups-for-choir-and-elementary-schools-and-vocal-studios-a-collection-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/vocal-warm-ups-for-choir-and-elementary-schools-and-vocal-studios-a-collection-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:49:43 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=516249

Vocal warm-ups are an integral part of rehearsals and vocal lessons. Warming up the body and the voice is important to develop vocal strength and prevent injury.

Warm-ups in this download are divided into four groups:

Vocal range warm-ups
Diction/Articulation Warm-up Challenges
Physical warm-ups (voice and body)
Creating Harmony

Warm-ups are included for students of various ages and skill levels. Some warm-ups require serious focus and attention, others create a sense of fun and help students relax. Scores and instructions are provided for all vocal warm-ups in this package. However, teachers are encouraged to present these exercises aurally so students can watch the director and follow visual cues. Tutorial videos are included when available as well as suggestions for additional online videos for reference and information.

Download Includes (37 page pdf):

    • Vocal scores (for 28 warm-ups)
    • Lyrics
    • Instructions (where applicable)
    • Teaching strategies
    • Video Tutorials
    • Additional video links

The post Vocal Warm-ups for Choir, Elementary Schools and Vocal Studios appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]>
4 shares
Share this page with your Teacher Friends 0
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin 4
Share 0
Post 0
Post

Share this page using these Social Links

Vocal Warm-ups

by Donna Rhodenizer

Print Copies also available on Amazon

Print copies are available on Amazon.

Go to Donna's Amazon Author Page to purchase your print copy.

When you are on Donna's author page, please click the "Follow" button to get notified when additional new books become available.

More Information

Warm-ups are an important element to include at the beginning of choir rehearsals and vocal lessons. Although it may be tempting to skip warm-ups if time is limited, healthy singing requires vocal and physical preparation. I often use the example with my students that athletes warm up their muscles before running, jumping and throwing for athletic activities. The voice is also a muscle and it needs to be warmed up before making it do a vocal workout. Warming up helps develop strength and prevent injury.


Young singers in elementary school choirs arrive at the music room from various locations and other activities. Private vocal lessons are often at the end of the day and sometimes squeezed between multiple after-school activities. Some students will need time to wind down, others will need to be energized! Warm-ups provide a good focus and transition time. In choir or small-group lessons, warm-ups also help the group begin to work as a team.

Combining movement with vocal warm-ups helps engage the whole body in the singing activity. Combining singing AND doing an action is good for the brain, and is often a welcome challenge that helps engage students, particularly older students.


Warm-ups can be used for diction, warming up the vocal range, challenging the brain and waking up the body.

Vocal Range Warm-ups

Vocal Range Warm-ups

Ascending / Descending Warm-ups:

  • Down to the Bottom of the Sea
  • Ee he he
  • Doobee doo
  • Vowels

I Know, I Know, I Know

Have You Seen My Alligator?

Parachute / Umbrella Warm-ups

Diction / Articulation Warm-ups and Challenges

Diction /Articulation Warm-ups and Challenges


Consonants

  • The Tip of the Tongue
  • Zinga Zinga Zah
  • Maybe My Mommy

Five Tongue Twisters

  • Listen to the Vocal Local Yodel
  • My Swiss Wristwatch
  • We Will Surely See the Sun
  • Shawn Swan
  • The Bold Bluebird Blinks

More Tongue Twisters

  • Red Leather, Yellow Leather
  • Pass the Pasta

Piccolo Meenie

One, One-Two-One   

Z-Y-X (Backward Alphabet)

Animal Can-Can

Physical Warm-ups

Physical Warm-ups

My Bonnie

Bim Bum

Stretches - Physical Warm-up Story

Creating Harmony

Creating Harmony

Sustained Ooh

Chairs to Mend

Alfred (The Alligator Song)

Round and Round the Earth is Turning

Vocal Range Warm-ups

Diction / Articulation Warm-ups and Challenges

Physical Warm-ups (voice and body)

Creating Harmony

Send us your videos of these Vocal Warm-ups and perhaps we can post them here.

New Singing Games for Young Singers - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

The post Vocal Warm-ups for Choir, Elementary Schools and Vocal Studios appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/vocal-warm-ups-for-choir-and-elementary-schools-and-vocal-studios-a-collection-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 20 Best Camp Songs – Donna’s Camp Song Collection https://donnaandandy.com/product/donnas-camp-song-collection/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/donnas-camp-song-collection/#respond Thu, 23 Mar 2023 21:09:30 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=515867 Also available on Amazon

I am delighted to share my collection of 20 of my favourite camp songs.

Camp songs are a great way to engage young singers. Camp songs can be funny, disgusting, beautiful, great stories or have actions. The beauty of a camp song is that once you are caught up in the fun, suddenly everyone is singing!

Camp songs are particularly useful early in the year when students might need encouragement to sing. They are equally useful at the end of the instructional year when students are heading into a break. With a library of camp songs at their disposal they can contribute something fun to a family gathering, a summer camp, a visit to Grandma’s house or anywhere there is a social gathering.

Some camp songs are also wonderful for vocal or movement warm-ups.

Download Includes (79 page pdf):

  • Vocal scores (for 17 songs)
  • Lyrics
  • Instructions (where applicable)
  • Teaching strategies
  • Video links

The post 20 Best Camp Songs – Donna’s Camp Song Collection appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]>
4 shares
Share 0
Share 0
Pin 4
Share 0
Post 0
Post 0

Share this page using these Social Links

Camp Songs

More Information - Blog Post

Read more about Donna's Camp Song Collection in this blog post.

Also, see sample pages of the 79 page document you will get when you purchase this collection.

Tongue Twisters - more great songs to include around the campfire!

Print copies available on Amazon

Purchase a Print copy on Amazon. Enjoy!

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

Also, click the "Follow" button to get notified when additional new books become available.

Donna's Camp Song Collection

Teaching tips

Use camp songs at the beginning of the school year to “break the ice” and encourage students to join in singing. They are more likely to participate if their nervous laughter is covered by the laughter resulting from a silly song.

Camp songs can be used as warm-ups. Canons and rounds that are delightful around an evening campfire are also lovely as an easy harmony exercise and vocal warm-up. Action songs get students singing and moving to warm up (or wind down!) physically before singing.

Use camp songs as an end-of-year activity. Students anticipating the end of the school year may find it difficult to settle. Camp songs have a good combination of fun and exuberance to handle attitudes at this time of year.

Use camp songs to give your students a library of songs they can share in summer social settings when someone says, “Let’s sing something!” As much as the students learn from singing games and pedagogical songs, they are not the type of songs a student would suggest when they are contributing to a sing-along.

Read the lyrics carefully before using any camp song in this collection or anywhere else. Some lyrics that are acceptable to some may be considered inappropriate for others. You will need to make your own assessment of what is appropriate for your unique setting/school. “When in doubt, leave it out,” has always been sage advice.

Ask the students if they have a favourite camp song to share. Again, this is best done with some monitoring from the teacher!

Composer's Notes

Camp songs are fun to sing and can leave a lasting impression. I remember with great clarity being at camp and hearing "The Bear Song” for the first time. I listened in horror as that bear closed in on the singer. I could see that huge tree and the branch so far from the ground. When the runner jumps and misses, my heart was racing and I couldn’t figure out how this could possibly end well. The twist at the end when the singer actually missed the branch on the way up, but caught it on the way down was funny and a relief all at the same time. Fast forward to decades later, and I still love sharing this song with my students. The call and response format makes it accessible for the students with no words to remember (it’s all up to you, the song leader!). It is still a relief when the safe arrival on the branch concludes the song.

I also remember the crackle of the fire, darkness settling slowly and gently around us as we sang and roasted marshmallows. Singing songs in this setting is such a great memory.

Music and singing was a huge part of family life when I was growing up. My love of music has carried on to become my chosen profession, what I enjoy for fun, and my greatest joy. Perhaps young singers will learn a silly camp song, discover that they enjoy singing and include music in the activities they pursue for the rest of their lives. That’s a pretty big mandate for the lowly camp song, but you never know!

Couloring Page - Download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you sing the songs in the Camp Song Collection. You can also colour while you play the song videos. 

Camp Songs - Colouring page - artwork by Richard Bennett

You are invited

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

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

Camp Songs come in a variety of categories:

Songs with disgusting lyrics 

that make us say, "Eeuw!"

       Found a Peanut

       Herman the Worm

       Tom the Toad

       Action Songs

       Bim Bum

       Dum Dum Dada

       I'm Glad I am a Camper

       Waddle-ee Ahcha

Call and Response / Echo Songs

        The Bear Song

        Boom Chicka Boom

        Going on a Lion Hunt

        The Moose Song 


Sing-along Songs / Story Songs

     Banjo Song / My Old Banjo

     The Chicken Song

     The Fox

      Long-legged Sailor

      Old MacDonald Mash-up

      Rattlin' Bog 

Canons / Rounds

       A Ram Sam Sam

       Fire's Burning

       One Bottle o' Pop


Bonus

The Rooster Story


Songs with disgusting lyrics - that make us say, "Eeuw!"

Action Songs

Call and Response / Echo Songs

The Bear Song

Sing-along Songs / Story Songs

Canons / Rounds

Bonus

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

20 Best Camp Songs for Young Singers - Donna's Camp Song Collection - compiled by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker
Donna Rhodenizer - Camp Song Collection - Call and Response / Echo Songs

Composer, Elementary Music Specialist, Performer

Donna Rhodenizer

Donna Rhodenizer loves playing singing games with her students. In addition to pretending to be a bird flying in and out of windows, an owl hiding in the forest, or a mother chicken calling to her chicks, Donna’s vivid imagination is put to good use composing songs for young singers. She has written over 500 pieces of music in the past four decades and, unless that pesky wolf in the forest causes an early demise, she has plans to write more songs in the future.

The post 20 Best Camp Songs – Donna’s Camp Song Collection appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/donnas-camp-song-collection/feed/ 0 Turn it Around https://donnaandandy.com/product/turn-it-around-action-movement-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/turn-it-around-action-movement-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:09:34 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=515838 Action songs are a great way to get children moving, warmed up and engaged. Lean to the left, lean to the right and follow the rest of the instructions in the verses of this song. The chorus invites you to turn around and get ready for the instructions in the next verse. “That’s all you need to know!”

This song is a great way for students to learn to listen and follow instructions. Students may learn to sing the words, but it is more likely to remain a teacher-led movement activity creating a “brain break” for students. Use Turn it Around as a stand-alone movement song, or combine it with marches and other simple movement songs or dances to create a movement unit for your students.

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Download Includes:

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

 

Classroom / Studio License allows you, as a teacher, to share this copy with any number of your own students. Copies may not be shared with other teachers or non-students.
The intent of this license is to accommodate a vocal studio where one teacher has multiple students, and/or elementary school music programs where one teacher teaches multiple classes of students.

$8.00

The post Turn it Around appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]>
7 shares
Share 0
Share 0
Pin 7
Share 0
Post 0
Post 0

Turn it Around

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

These 2 Donna & Andy tracks are included in the download.

Turn it Around - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Stream or purchase audio tracks

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

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

Teaching tips

Turn it Around can be used for a class game, a warm-up song, or even in a performance setting. 

Use Turn it Around  as a fun way to teach children to listen for instructions.

The original chorus gives the instruction to “turn it around”. Ask the students to suggest movements they would like to do in the chorus such as march it around, jump it around, swim it around, etc. Manipulating the elements of a song is a composing skill.

Alternate lyrics suggestions are provided for the verses of Turn it Around. It may be difficult to generate original words and actions that fit the rhyme scheme of the song, but students can be presented with all the options and they can choose which ones they will include in their version of the song. 

Performance suggestion

Include colourful scarves as part of a concert presentation, moving the scarves to reflect the directions that are being followed. 

Composer's Notes

Turn it Around

There is documentation about musicians getting song ideas a they are doing repetitious tasks like driving, or doing dishes. The sound of the water in the shower or windshield wipers in the car also have the potential to inspire song ideas. I have experienced this many times, so I know there is truth to this theory. The song Turn it Around was written while I was driving but was inspired by another song (although I didn’t know it at the time). 

I had seen a video of a large outdoor concert featuring an Irish band. The band sang a simple song where the audience leaned left and right, forward and back as indicated in the song lyrics. The actions changed quickly from one thing to the next, but the crowd obviously had heard the song before and they did a great job keeping up. This was a very large outdoor gathering of adults and they were having a great time leaning and singing along with the band.

Some time later, I was driving along the highway and I started singing my own version of a “leaning” song. I quickly grabbed my phone to record the idea and I completed the song later when I arrived home. This song had its “world premiere” as part of an outdoor Donna & Andy concert we performed at a school for over 400 students. It was a good action song to include after they had been sitting for a few songs and they had a great time leaning and jumping, winking and turning around. Even the teachers joined in and had fun – which delighted the students even more. I know it is always good to keep a recording device or a paper and pencil close by when driving in a vehicle. That way I am prepared when a song needs to be written!

You are invited

You are invited to send us your performance of Turn it Around.  Maybe your video will be featured here on this page. 

Please drop by again and leave a Review of Turn it Around on this page. Thanks!

Send us your video of Turn it Around and perhaps we can post it here.

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

The post Turn it Around appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/turn-it-around-action-movement-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0