Où est le cadeau

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Où est le cadeau?

Speak the words of Où est le cadeau? before learning the music. The repeated words make this song seem like a tongue twister.

The words will require clear diction.

Use expressive singing to tell the story.

• How will you show that you are excited?
• How will you change your vocal presentation when you receive your gift?
• How will you use your voice and face expressively to show that you really like your gift?

The words in parenthesis are optional. If you include them, you may use a speaking voice to say them. How will you use expressive speaking to deliver those words?

If you are singing in a small group or class, you may want to choose some solo speakers to say the words that are in parenthesis.

Où est le cadeau?

I needed a song for my young primary students to sing in the December Christmas concert. These young students were in their first year of school in a French immersion program. They needed a song that was melodically simple and they had a limited French vocabulary after only three months in school. I wrote J’ai un cadeau, playing with the feel of repeating the word “cadeau” multiple times. The students enjoyed singing the song and their performance was well received by the audience.

As sometimes happens with songs, I decided to tweak the lyrics of my original song and create slightly different lyrics to stretch the song to three verses. Eventually all the elements settled and the title became Où est le cadeau?

I was approached by Nikki Loney at FULL VOICE Music to see if I would be interested in my “cadeau” song being translated into Spanish. This was done by Tracey Ford and her sister, Andrea. I also wrote an English translation so the three translations could be used as a language study for young vocal studio students.

The need for a simple French song has turned into a 3-song language study, as well as three songs that stand on their own as good repertoire for young, beginning singers to perform at their first recital or concert. It always amazes me that such simple things can turn into much larger things!

Try out the English version of this song entitled A Gift for Me.

Où est le cadeau? / ¿Dónde está el regalo?, A Gift for Me by Donna Rhodenizer with Spanish lyrics by Tracey and Andrea Ford.

This secular holiday language study celebrates the excitement and anticipation of holiday surprises. The download includes lyrics in French, Spanish and English. A great song for young singing students or choir!

Go to Full Voice Music to get this fun language study.

You are invited to send us your performance of Où est le cadeau?

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