Umbrellas
$6.00 – $20.00
This gentle song for young singers is about the merits of having an umbrella on a rainy day. Rain can be enjoyable when one is able to stay dry. With an umbrella close at hand, sometimes it is hard to wait until a rainy day!
Simple rhythms are used within the 3/4 time melody of this two-verse song. Its 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. The phrases are written in ABAC form providing repeated phrases which assist young singers as they learn both the melody and the lyrics. The range falls within D4-D5, briefly reaching to the upper and lower areas of the range. An 8-beat instrumental break is built into the middle of each verse, providing young singers time to catch a breath and refocus for the second half of the verse.
Listen to melody + accompaniment:
Download Includes:
- Vocal score
- Director/piano score
- Lyrics
- Accompaniment – with melody guide
- Accompaniment – piano
- Teaching Tips
- Umbrella warm-up and activity
Share this page using these social links!
Umbrellas
Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Umbrellas.
Introducing the song
Discus:
- who likes to play in the rain, in puddles, or to walk with an umbrella in the rain?
- Who has an umbrella, a raincoat or rain boots? How do these things add to the enjoyment of being outside in the rain?
- Who looks forward to a rainy day?
Expressive singing
- Read the lyrics aloud. Decide which words need to be accentuated to sing expressively and convey the sentiment of the song.
Score study
- Using the printed music, read and/or clap the rhythm.
- Find bars/phrases that use the same melodic pattern. The overall form of the song is ABAC.
- Follow the printed music as the teacher sings the song. Can you see the notes ascending, descending and repeating?
- Use your hand to show the shape of the ascending, descending and repeated notes of the song as the teacher sings. Can students sing the song and show the shape of the note movement at the same time? (Hint: wait to try this until the song is well internalized.)
- There is an accidental added in this song. Discuss how the accidental affects the notes in bar 9.
Performance suggestions
Adding an umbrella as a prop is a lovely way to add visual interest to a performance. Bring the open umbrella to the stage and then place it next to the singer(s). The umbrella adds colour but the singer is free to concentrate on the performance. Include Umbrellas in a weather-themed concert presentation.
Additional weather-related songs by Donna Rhodenizer:
Sing an Umbrella warm-up
An umbrella warm-up exercise, with a printable student worksheet, is included.
Download and print this student worksheet separately.
I was asked to write a song for young singers. The melody needed to be simple, both rhythmically and melodically and I could choose any topic I wished. Sometimes having a wide-open set of options can be daunting! However, I know that when my grandchildren visit me, they love to go outside with an umbrella and enjoy the rainy day. I crafted my song while thinking about how lovely rain is when the right gear is available. I like walking in the rain with an umbrella, and adding a pair of rubber boots means there are also puddles to explore. (Boots and puddles are included in a different rainy day song!) I enjoy the smell of rain as it waters the plants in my garden. I also like the sound of rain on the roof of my house. All in all, umbrellas, raincoats and rubber boots mean that a rainy day can be enjoyed as an exciting adventure.
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 performing video - we might be able to post it on this page!
| License | Single User License, Classroom / Studio License, Treble Choir License |
|---|---|
| Context | Classroom Songs, Small Group Class, Teaching Songs / Pedagogy, Vocal Solo, Choir – Unison |
| Level | |
| Topic | |
| Vocal Range | D4 – D5 |
| Voicing | |
| Duration | |
| Composer | Donna Rhodenizer |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.