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Thankful

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Thankful is a gentle song about noticing small things and being grateful. The melody is simple both melodically and lyrically and it has been arranged to be sung in a round, creating interesting harmonies with more traditional note combinations as well as moving through some brief dissonances.

Thankful is written in a flowing 3/4 meter. Rhythmic contrast is created by employing a Hemiola effect during transition sections and also in the final verse when all parts are approaching the end of the piece.

An optional handbell part complements the flowing melody with sustained chords. The handbells are supported by the piano accompaniment and the piece works equally well with piano as the only accompaniment instrument (although the handbells certainly add “shine”).

The 3-part treble arrangement of Thankful is an excellent early harmony repertoire choice for young singers and choirs. The song begins with a unison statement of the melody and the second verse is written as a 2-part round. The third verse is written with the melody supported by a harmony part and the final verse is sung as a 3-part round.

The SSATB arrangement moves through a unison opening, to a 2-part tenor and bass round, to an SATB section. The final section features a 3-part round in the treble voices supported by foundational tenor/bass harmonies. The layering of parts creates mainly traditional-sounding harmonies but also includes brief dissonances.

The 3-part treble and SSATB arrangements are compatible if combining choirs for a massed choir performance.

Listen to this grade 4-5 elementary choir:

Listen to “Thankful” piano accompaniment – SAMPLE:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Director/piano score
  • Director/piano score with handbells
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Director’s notes

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Thankful

 by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio Sample

Listen to this grade 4-5 elementary choir performing Thankful.

Directors' notes

Thankful  has been arranged as a three-part round. It is available as a 3-part treble arrangement and also as an SSATB arrangement. The melody is written with a range of B3-E5 in the treble clef and B1-E4 for bass clef singers. When the song is being sung as a round, it is suggested that each part be sung by mixed groups of singers (soprano/alto and tenor/bass) to create support for the outer ranges of the melody line.

The two arrangements (3-part treble and SSATB) are compatible and can be used for a massed choir performance. The only adjustment is the section of the music between bars 49-72 (Rehearsal letter B-C). In this section, the tenor/bass voices are highlighted in the SSATB arrangement. In the 3-part arrangement, a 2-part canon is written. For a massed choir performance, choose one group to highlight for this section (either tenor/bass voices or 2-part treble voices singing the 2-part round) and resume with all members singing at rehearsal letter C.

Thankful is written with the option to include handbells with the piano accompaniment.

When performing with handbells, they present the opening introduction of the melody. The melody is written in the piano score as well to add support. However, if the bells are secure in presenting the melody, the piano accompanist may either leave out the melody notes or play them lightly. If using the piano as the only accompanying instrument, the melody line is written in the piano part and it needs to be highlighted. It is possible to play the handbell part using a second piano if one is available. This provides more texture and depth to the accompaniment.

Composer's Notes

Andy and I were travelling from Nova Scotia, Canada to do a tour of Donna & Andy concerts in elementary schools in Ontario. As we drove, rural Nova Scotia and scenic ocean views had given way to the forested scenery (and hopes of catching sight of a moose) in New Brunswick. We had navigated the traffic in Montreal, which can be an adventure or a disaster depending on the time of day, and we were finally in Ontario. The 401 is a highway that is known for lots of lane changing as traffic weaves and flows and it is also known for the times when all 16 lanes come to a complete halt during peak travel times. For a country girl, the highway was overwhelming at times and as Andy drove I would sometimes cover my eyes and let him do his thing as he adeptly navigated the traffic. At one point suddenly to our left, I could see a large expanse of water. “It’s the ocean!” was my first thought, but it turned out to be Lake Ontario. Nonetheless, the sight of a large body of water sparkling in the sun beaming from a clear blue sky was a welcome sight to this Maritimer’s eyes. 

The words that turned out to be the song Thankful sprang to my mind and I quickly grabbed a pen to write them down. They are very simple and they don’t rhyme, but they captured the moment completely. The melody also came at the same time and I jotted that down using my solfege training so I could write out the notes later.

When we returned home, I taught the song to my elementary school choir. I realized that we could layer the parts by singing it as a round. There are a few spots where the harmonies that are created are a bit dissonant, but they quickly pass and satisfying, comfortable harmonies appear – much like the welcome sight of sparkling water after dealing with the snarls of the highway.

Thankful is a thought, a feeling, and a reflection set to music. We have much for which to be thankful if we stop and take notice.

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!

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Voicing

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License

Studio / School License, Treble Choir License, Small Ensemble License, Small Choir License, Large Choir License

Context

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Topic

Level

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Vocal Range

B3-E5

Duration

Composer

Donna Rhodenizer

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