Curiosity Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/topic/curiosity-songs-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/ Music by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker Fri, 20 Feb 2026 02:28:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://donnaandandy.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-Logo-Red-Castle-Publishing-Music-by-Donna-Andy.png Curiosity Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/topic/curiosity-songs-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/ 32 32 Hello Ghostie! https://donnaandandy.com/product/hello-ghostie-song-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/hello-ghostie-song-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:37:32 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=520857 What would you do if you heard a knock at the door and when you opened the door you discovered a ghost standing there? Singers have the opportunity to delve deep into their expressive singing skills to present a variety of emotions. Are they afraid? Are they confident? Are they brave? Do they cycle through all of these emotions?

Hello Ghostie is written in a minor key with a one-octave range (C4-C5) sitting well within the vocal range of young singers. The song is written in a “sea shanty” style with strong accented, chordal accompaniment. Expressive singing is an important feature of this song requiring attention to dynamics that need to change with the changing emotions of the singer as the story unfolds.

A second accompaniment option is provided, written in a style that is more in the art song genre. Singers may use either accompaniment for performances or explore both versions as a score study to discuss how accompaniment style changes the vocal presentation and feel of the song.

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Listen to melody + accompaniment (art song style)

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score – Sea shanty style
  • Director/piano score – Art song style
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide (both styles)
  • Accompaniment – piano (both styles)
  • Teaching Tips
  • Singer's Notes

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Hello Ghostie!

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Hello Ghostie!.

Art Song style

Hello Ghostie - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics - SAMPLE

Teaching Tips

Teaching Tips

Style study

Hello Ghostie! is written with two different accompaniment styles.

Sea Shanty style

The song has a jaunty, rollicking feel with heavy chordal accompaniment.

How will the story be presented in this style?

Art Song Style

Hello Ghostie! is also provided with an accompaniment written in an art song style.

How will the song be sung differently within this style?

Singers should sing expressively in both accompaniment styles.

Expressive singing

Dramatic interpretation and expressive singing can be incorporated in the responses to the ghost at the door.

            Sing “Hello Ghostie” different ways:

  • bravely
  • anxiously
  • curiously

When singing repeated lyrics “Hello Ghostie. How are you today?” each chorus can be sung with the same emotional response, or singers may choose to sing each response with a different emotion each time.

See the “Singer’s Notes” included with the PDF download. The composer, Donna Rhodenizer, has written instructions to the singers who will be interpreting the song.

Add percussion

The purpose of a sea shanty was to have a song that could be sung while doing tasks such as pulling rigging ropes when sailors would need to work together. Singing songs with a strong and steady beat provided the reference for all the sailors to pull at the same time, therefore being most efficient and productive.

Add percussion to Hello Ghostie! The PDF download includes specific percussion suggestions to try. Singers also are invited to create a percussion part to include in the performance.

Composer's Notes

Hello Ghostie!

Halloween songs can be a great teaching tool. They often include minor tonalities, lots of “oohs” and other sound effects, and topics that are mysterious and fun to sing. These songs tie in with the anticipation children experience leading up to Halloween festivities at the end of October. However, in my music classroom some students didn’t partake in any Halloween observances. Ghosts in particular are a sticky subject. Are they real? Are they just stories? Some kids believe strongly, other do not and others are not sure. Where does my responsibility lie when students look to me for opinions? 

Hello Ghostie! was written as a way of giving young singers some tools for dealing with ghosts in general. Not to present ghosts as scary, horror-movie kind of creatures, but acting like regular people by walking up to a house and knocking on the door to have a visit. How would you react if you heard a knock at the door and when you opened it, a ghost was standing there? There are certainly a variety of possible reactions and I explored both afraid and brave responses for different verses. This makes for an interesting expressive singing exercise for singers. How will they sing a chorus with the same words but conveying different emotions? Will they sing each repetition of “Hello Ghostie” with changing emotions or keep it all the same within each chorus? I also composed the ending with room for interpretation. The singer must decide if they finish with brave confidence or maybe after all their bravado, a few doubts are still lingering and they aren’t quite sure of the outcome.

Composing the accompaniment for Hello Ghostie! was an interesting journey. Sea shanty songs are popular with young singers (and older ones too!) and this song fit that style very well. That is the style I wanted for my song. However, when I first framed out the accompaniment, I wrote out simple chords, basically to get the chord structure. This was a more sedate musical style and it also works well with the song. That meant I had to decide – but then again, maybe not! I decided to provide both accompaniment versions so singers can decide which accompaniment suits their needs. It also creates a neat learning experience to compare two styles of accompaniment that make a song sound different, even though the melody and words are exactly the same for both versions. I am always interested in encouraging musical exploration and creativity.  

I like writing songs where the singer has the opportunity to make musical decisions about their performance – which should happen every time someone sings, but often does not. It is one of the most difficult things I do as a composer to commit myself to one specific interpretation of a song. There are so many options and there are reasons to include or omit different dynamics in a song. In the teaching tips for this song, I included specific notes written to the singer instructing them to make the song their own by adding the dynamics they think work best, even if that means ignoring what I wrote in the score. It will be interesting to experience a variety of performances of this song as it develops its own personality in the singing world.

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 Hello Ghostie! and perhaps we can post it here.

Hello, Ghostie! - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - return to store image

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/hello-ghostie-song-composed-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 4 Penguin Songs https://donnaandandy.com/product/four-penguin-songs-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/four-penguin-songs-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:41:22 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519688 Children enjoy exploring facts about the intriguing penguin. It is fun to try to waddle like a penguin and imagine what penguins might be doing in their cold and snowy habitats. Adding whimsical imagination to the mix, we can wonder about the penguin’s appearance. Why is the penguin always so formally dressed? Does the penguin ever get tired of wearing black and white? Penguins might enjoy attending a ball in the romantic moonlight or maybe they like to do a line dance!

Donna Rhodenizer explores the penguin world in her collection of four penguin songs. Some of her lyrics focus on factual information and other songs are humorous imaginings. These songs are well loved by children in lower elementary music classes and choirs, students ages 10 and under. The songs are fun to sing and are audience favourites.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance tracks

"I Wonder" 

"Penguin Parade"

"Pondering Penguins"

"The Penguin Ball"

Four Penguins Songs Download Includes:

  • Vocal scores and/or lead sheets
  • Director/piano scores
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental tracks
  • Donna & Andy – performance tracks
  • 53 Cross-curricular Activities (in total)
  • Colouring pages

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Four Penguin Songs

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for these Four Penguin Songs

I Wonder

I Wonder - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Pondering Penguins

Pondering Penguins - Song for Young Singers - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

The Penguin Ball

Song for Young Singers - The Penguin Ball - Song Composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

These Four Penguin Songs are included in the award-winning song collection "Computer Cat" (total of 12 songs). 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

I only want one Penguin song - can i do that?

You can purchase each Penguin song separately.

Save 25% when you purchase all Four Penguin Songs together.

Stream and purchase Audio tracks

Stream or Purchase the Four Penguin Songs from many streaming sites including:

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

The Computer Cat  CD (Donna & Andy performance and instrumental) tracks (24) is available for download or purchase physical CD on this website.

53 cross-curricular activities

53 Cross-curricular activities are provided in the PDF download (divided over 4 penguin songs) extending the focus of these songs to other subject areas including:

  • Fine arts: music, visual art, dance, drama,
  • Language arts
  • Math
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Technology

Teacher Tips

Teaching tips are provided with each individual song. See the teaching tips when you visit each penguin song webpage.

Save 25% when you purchase all Four Penguin Songs together.

Colouring Pages - Free Download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring these Penguins as you listen to the Four Penguin Songs. Enjoy!

I Wonder - song by Donna Rhodenizer - Colouring page - Artwork by Richard Bennett
Penguin Parade - Coloring Page
Pondering Penguins - Coloring Page
The Penguin Ball - Coloring Page
Penguins

Composer's Notes

Four Penguin Songs

I wrote my collection of penguin songs as a result of a request made by a classroom teacher at my school. She was doing a penguin unit with her students and she asked me for a penguin song.  I didn’t know any, so I wrote my own! When her students came to my music class they told me lots of penguin facts to give me ideas for my songs. I discovered that penguins are amazing creatures. The conditions in which they live and the way they survive, live, and raise their babies are all fascinating. With all the facts I found out, I ended up writing four penguin songs.

Some of the songs rely on the facts that the students told me, but other songs in the set dive into the world of imagination with penguins checking their closets for clothing options, attending the ”penguin ball” for some romantic moonlit dancing on the beach, or having a parade in the snow. All in all, I had a grand time writing these four songs and the students enjoyed singing them. After almost three decades, I am happy to report my penguin songs are still being sung and enjoyed by young singers (and their audiences) around the world!

You are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing these Four Penguin Songs, 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 them on this page!

See more penguin song videos on these pages.


Save 25% when you purchase all Four Penguin Songs together.

Send us your videos of 4 Penguin Songs and perhaps we can post them here.

Return to Store - Penguins - artwork by Richard Bennett

The post 4 Penguin Songs appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/four-penguin-songs-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 I Wonder https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-wonder-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-wonder-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:16:07 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519679 Penguins always look so dressed up rocking that black “tuxedo” look. Although we may think they look terrific, what if a penguin gets tired of wearing the same thing every day?

This bouncy march-like song has three verses set with simple rhythms and a melody that falls withing the vocal range of D4 – C5. The melody is written using mostly step-wise motion with a few easy to navigate interval jumps. Natural breathing breaks assist the singer with maintaining good breath energy.

Older singers will manage the three verses easily while younger singers may find it helpful to sing with another singer or in a small ensemble to give support for the lyric load. I Wonder is a super song for young choirs, small group classes and elementary music classes.

Use cross-curricular activities to extend the scope of this song making educational connections and adding elements of creative play. Activities include curricular connections to: Fine arts (music, visual art, and dance), language arts, science and technology.

Get Donna's "Four Penguin Songs" as a set and save 25%.

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
  • 13 Cross-curricular Activities
  • Colouring page

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I Wonder

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for I Wonder

I Wonder - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

I Wonder 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

MORE Penguin Songs

There are 3 more penguin songs for fun singing in your home school, classroom, vocal studio or choir. 

Purchase all Four Penguin Songs together and save 25%

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.

Teacher Tips

Introductory discussion

  • Discuss penguin facts that the students know.
  • Research additional information about penguins.

Expressive singing

  • Emphasize key words by using clear, crisp consonants.
  • For dramatic contrast, speak the line “I’m wearing red tonight.” Choose the       emotion you wish to convey: excitement, rebellion, decisiveness, musing, etc.

 Add actions

  • Listen to the performance track and do the following actions for the words listed.
       I wonder    -   index finger to side of head (thinking)
       never         -   shake head or finger side to side, like saying no
       suit coat     -   show where a fancy lapel would be
       eater          -   pretend to eat
       shirtfront    -   put hand flat on chest
       won’t see   -  shake head no and point to eyes
       apron         -   move flat hand down the front of your chest
       chest          -   flat hand on chest
       best            -   thumbs up sign
       tired           -    droop the shoulders and drop the head a bit
       “I’m wearing red tonight”    -   hands on hips and nod head
       choice         -   hands out to the sides, shrug your shoulders
       white and black     -    right hand first, then left hand out to each side
       black and white     -    left hand first, then right hand out to each side
       again                   -     fold arms across chest
  • The actions listed above are included in the PDF download.

Vocal exploration


There are many kinds of voices: talking, singing, whispering, shouting, etc.

In I Wonder, the line “I’m wearing red tonight,” may be spoken.     

How well do you know the voices of the people in your class?

Use a recording device.

  • Have all the students say their names.
  • Record their voices.
  • Listen to the recording.

Change the order of the students.

  • Have each student say, “Hello, how are you?” and record it.
  • Play the recording for the class and see if the speaker can be identified.

Have each child say something with a disguised voice.

  • Can the person still be identified?

Have each child sing something (something simple like Rain, rain go away).

  • Students should use their best singing voice.
  • The voice should not be disguised.
  • Can the person be identified from his or her singing voice?


Explore Cross Curricular Activities

A package of 13 cross-curricular activities has been created for use with the song, I Wonder. Additional activities are included with each of Donna’s other penguin songs: Penguin Parade, Pondering Penguins  and The Penguin Ball. 

Share the cross-curricular activities with classroom teachers so they can tie into the music their students have learned in the music room.

13 cross-curricular activities

13 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, drama, dance
  • Language arts
  • Science
  • Technology

Colouring Page - Download

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

I Wonder - song by Donna Rhodenizer - Colouring page - Artwork by Richard Bennett

Composer's Notes

I Wonder

This is one of four penguin songs I have written. I was asked by a teacher at my school if I had any penguin songs she could include as part of a penguin unit she was doing with her students. I didn’t have anything to offer her, so when her students came to music class and started telling me everything they knew about penguins, I used that information to write them some songs.

I Wonder explores the limited wardrobe options of a penguin. They always look like they are dressed up in a fancy suit. I think they look quite grand, but I wonder if they ever get tired of wearing the same thing day after day! I imagined a penguin standing at the open door of the closet looking at all those black and white shirts and black suits. I was amused as I wondered what would happen if he decided he wanted to be different and wear something red for a change? I had fun imagining the penguin in this song and writing the lyrics for I Wonder.

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!

Send us your video of I Wonder and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - Penguins - artwork by Richard Bennett

The post I Wonder appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-wonder-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 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

The post I Really Need to Know appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/i-really-need-to-know-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 It’s Raining Cats and Dogs https://donnaandandy.com/product/its-raining-cats-and-dogs-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/its-raining-cats-and-dogs-by-donna-rhodenizer/#comments Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:53:27 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517746 It's Raining Cats and Dogs is a delightful story-telling song with the opportunity for singers to work on expressive singing. It is fantastic for school and vocal studio spring concerts with young singers.

This three-verse song has a different first line for each verse, with the remainder of the song repeating the same lyrics. This provides a light “lyric load” for young performers. Students love the “meow and woof” lyrics of the second verse (easy lyrics to remember) and the chance to add theatrical “flair” to their presentation. The song works well with the addition of actions, helping young singers remember the words and adding visual interest.

The pleasant melody is melodically interesting while staying within a 6th (D4-B5), easily falling within the vocal range of young singers.

This song includes an in-depth rhythm activity. Younger students can identify quarter and eighth note elements using fun animal rhythm cards (templates provided). The cards can also be used for reading rhythms, rhythm dictation and composing.

Listen to the Donna's performance track demo:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Director/piano score
  • Lead sheet
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Accompaniment - with demo vocal
  • Teaching Strategies (including actions and cross-curricular extensions)
  • Printable rhythm element cards

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It's Raining Cats and Dogs

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for It's Raining Cats and Dogs.

It's Raining Cats and Dogs - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - 12 card rhythm activity

Teacher Tips

Add actions to the song to help students remember the lyrics and to create visual interest in the concert setting.

Students love being able to “meow and woof” the lyrics of the second verse. Soloists may also be assigned the meow and woof sections to show off their “theatrical talents”.

Use the rhythm cards provided with It’s Raining Cats and Dogs for rhythm activities.

  • Review simple quarter note/eighth note rhythm combinations
  • Have students use the rhythm cards to create their own rhythm combinations. They are composing!
  • Have students listen to a rhythm that is being clapped and then use the rhythm cards to create the rhythm.
  • Combine students in small groups to create longer rhythm combinations. Have them write their compositions on a piece of paper and share them with others in the class. Put all the group compositions together in one BIG class composition. Clap the rhythms that have been created, or read them using rhythm duration syllables. For a bit of cat and dog fun, read the rhythms using meows and woofs.
It's Raining Cats and Dogs - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - 12 card rhythm activity

Expressive Singing

Follow the markings in It’s Raining Cats and Dogs and sing expressively.

The mood of this song is optimistic. The singer is hoping to find lots of cats and dogs AND be able to keep the ones that are collected!

Many instructions in music scores are written in Italian and German. These are standard music terms used in music created by composers around the world regardless of the language they normally speak.

Students will need to understand the following Italian instructions:

  • molto rit. – slowing down a lot (molto = much)
  • rit. – gradually slow down
  • a tempo – back to the original tempo (at tempo)
  • Fermata – hold or pause. The length of the pause is up to the performer, but a standard length for the hold is twice the value of the note with the fermata. (You may discuss how a “pause” in a song about dogs and cats with “paws” is a funny play on words!)

Encourage solo singers to add theatrical flair in bar 25, where you see the instruction to “sigh” during the rest (use the extra quarter beat created by the fermata). This can be a tired or loving sigh, or any emotion you wish to convey; or it can even be a theatrical “meow” or “woof”. The singer may add their own interpretation as they wish.

For fun, sing the whole song using only “woof” or “meow” and/or use a variety of woof/meow combinations.

Props and Presentation

Students may wish to add a few props to add visual interest to their performance. Some suggestions are:

  • Hold an empty box while singing, or place it on the floor as a visual prop.
  • Hold a toy dog or cat during the performance. (A prop can also be a helpful “security item” for a shy singer to hold onto for support if they are nervous about performing.)
  • Use face paint to create dog and cat faces for your group performance.
  • Add a few colourful umbrellas for a “splash” of colour.

Add actions to the song to enhance the concert or recital presentation. A list of suggested actions is included on page 10 of the PDF document.

Additional Music Activities

Keep the beat

  • explore steady beat
  • discuss rit., a tempo and fermata
  • conducting (silent beat keeping)
Rhythm reading
  • Clap, tap and say the rhythms for the whole song

Composing with simple rhythm elements (quarter notes/rests and eighth notes)

  • Have students compose their own original rhythm patterns
  • Use fun printable rhythm element cards (provided in the PDF document)
  • Read, tap, and play the simple rhythms created by the students
  • Combine 4-beat rhythms to create longer songs
  • Create rounds and canons with student rhythm patterns

Practice and reinforce understanding of rhythm patterns

Use “call and response” activities:

  • Use the rhythm patterns created by the students
  • Clap or play patterns, reading from flash cards
  • Clap or play patterns by ear
  • Create call and response “conversations”

Cross-curricular Extensions

Create a rain circle

Explore the science of the rain cycle

Read weather and rain-related books

Read along with Donna It's Raining, It's Pouring

Sing other Donna Rhodenizer songs featuring cats and dogs

            Computer Cat    (Computer Cat CD)

            Cool Bob (Computer Cat CD)

            I Got a Sister (but I wanted a dog) (Blue Skies and Pirates CD)

            Pretty Itty Bitty Kitty Unicorn (tongue twister warm-up) Full Voice Music

Sing other Donna Rhodenizer songs about the weather

            Splashing in the Puddles (Computer Cat CD)

            Get up in the Mornin' (Blue Skies and Pirates CD)

Composer's Notes

It's Raining Cats and Dogs

There are many phrases that we use in our conversations that could be confusing to those who take us literally. Phrases like, “I have a frog in my throat,” or “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse,” might need some explaining! “It’s raining cats and dogs” is one of those expressions and it stuck in my imagination as worth investigating with my composer’s point of view. If one takes this phrase literally, and if one also likes cats and dogs, this might seem to be a perfect opportunity to bypass the usual parental permission to get a pet; just go outside with a box and scoop up what you want!

I jotted down the idea for the opening phrase and repeated it (that makes it easy to learn!) and the melody followed quickly. The rest of the song worked its way along with melody and lyrics coming together. Many times natural accents of the language of the lyrics dictate how the melody will go and in turn, the melody line starts to define how many syllables will fit into the phrase. The second verse I wrote expanded a bit on cat and dog characteristics: their fur and claws, their tails and paws. By repeating the last section of the song, it allowed me to write a complete verse without so many words for a young singer to learn.

I knew my students were going to LOVE singing this song when I thought of adding the verse where they get to meow and woof for the lyrics. I inserted this as a second verse and suddenly I had a three-verse song! When I introduced the song, my students had a great time debating the merits of cats and dogs. There were very stalwart fans on both sides of the fence and some who couldn’t decide and put some of both in their imaginary box. We added actions, we sang the meows and woofs with great theatrical affectation, and the premiere performance (at our school spring concert) was a hit with our delighted audience.

I have not yet written any songs about the frogs and the horses I mentioned earlier, but you never know when inspiration is going to arrive, and when it does I will “strike while the iron is hot” and get a song written!

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!

Send us your video of It's Raining Cats and Dogs and perhaps we can post it here.

Dog - under parachute
Return to Store - by Richard Bennett
Cat - yellow umbrella

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/its-raining-cats-and-dogs-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 2 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)

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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

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/how-do-you-say-hello-to-a-ghost-arranged-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 My Treehouse https://donnaandandy.com/product/my-treehouse-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/my-treehouse-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Wed, 18 Oct 2023 02:44:46 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=516969 There is such allure to the idea of hanging out in your own private treehouse. Even better, would be the chance to build that special space yourself! Imagine all the fun and inventive things you could add to your special treehouse/fort. Your friends would LOVE to get an invitation from you to hang out in such a cool spot!

This theatrical song is perfect for young singers with the desire to sing an expressive storytelling song and start developing their presentation skills incorporating a bit of drama. Imagine a younger sibling of “Anne of Green Gables” kicking about on a dusty summer day and you will be on the right track for the character and feel of this song.

Listen to melody + accompaniment

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score (1-verse option)
  • Vocal score (2-verse option)
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics (1-verse and 2-verse options)
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide (1 verse)
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide (2 verses)
  • Accompaniment - piano (1 verse)
  • Accompaniment - piano (2 verses)
  • Teaching Tips and Strategies

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My Treehouse

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

My Treehouse - Song for Young Singers - Composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - 2 verses

Teaching Tips

Use the 1-verse option of My Treehouse for younger singers. The song itself will be accessible, but lightening the lyric load may be helpful for younger, less experienced singers. 

Add a few props to enhance the performance.

Use this song for expressive singing. Discuss which words will be emphasized to create an expressive performance. What dynamics can be added for dramatic effect?

 See more detailed teaching tips and strategies in the PDF download.

Structure/Form

My Treehouse supports young singers with developing voices.

  • Descending, step-wise patterns create the opening section of the song.
  • The opening phrase is repeated with a slight variation to create the second phrase. The melodic repetition helps the students quickly learn the music for the song.
  • The swinging eighths add to the cheery character and “musical theatre” feel.
  • Vocal range of an octave plus one (C4-D5) has only short reaches into the upper range.
  • My Treehouse is a 1-verse option for this song to accommodate younger singers and a 2-verse option for singers who are able to manage more lyrics and a longer song.

Teaching Strategies

   Expressive Singing

  • Encourage singers to read the lyrics out loud before learning the melody. Ask if students have ever had a treehouse or a special fort. Discuss things the student would like to include in a special treehouse.
  • Find words the singer will emphasize to create an expressive performance. What consonants need to be crisp and clean to clearly tell the story for the listening audience?
  • What dynamics or other musical contrasts can be added for the repeated rhyming words in the second half of the song?
  • Give the singer the option to sing expressively or speak the final lyric, “You’ll see!”

   Vocabulary

   Understanding the meaning of the lyrics helps the students when they are presenting the “story” of the song.

  • Have students read the lyrics and find any words that they do not understand.
  • What is the meaning of bona fide, fortified and glorified?
  • Look up any other unfamiliar words and discuss their meaning.
  • Discuss what it means to “wile away the days” (found in the second verse of the song).

   Theatrical Elements

  • Add actions to enhance the theatrical presentation of My Treehouse.
  • Make sure the musical presentation of the song is still the focal point of the performance. The actions need to support the song, not “take over” or detract from the singing.
  • When presenting My Treehouse for a recital or school performance, add a few props or costumes to support the performance.
  • A hammer and a paper bag (presumably containing nails)
  • Give a final thumbs up at the end of the song following the words, “You’ll see!” Add a very visible bandage to the thumb to add a bit of humour. (We are not always successful hitting the nails when we do building projects!)
  • Other costume ideas could include: a tool belt, baseball cap or hard hat, overalls/coveralls and a rope or other easily portable building supplies.

   Musical Elements to Highlight

  • There is an accidental F#  in bars 18 and 22. Isolate and review the pitches in these two bars to become familiar with the melody before singing the whole song.

  Two verses / Two options

     My Treehouse was created with 1-verse and 2-verse options to cater to students of varied age and skill levels.

  • Younger students may find two verses of lyrics too difficult. To accommodate younger singers, choose the 1-verse option.
  • Use My Treehouse as a song for a younger singer and then revisit the song when the student is older and able to add the second verse. Bonus – the student will already know the melody from the previous year!
  • The “B” section functions like a chorus, remaining the same for both verses.

   Other Performance Options

  • Younger students may pair up and sing the 2-verse option of My Treehouse as a duet. Assign each student one of the verses to learn and both students can sing the “B” section together.
  • Singing the entire song with a small group in unison may be enough support for younger students to manage all the lyrics for both verses.

Composer's Notes

My Treehouse

Some songs are written purely from my imagination, but My Treehouse was inspired by an actual event when my three boys were ages 8, 10 and 12. We had a small pile of lumber left over from a renovation project and a small grove of trees. I went to the hardware store and bought three hammers and a five-pound bag of nails (which were in a paper bag). I presented the boys with these tools and they headed out to the lumber pile. They had a great time pounding nails into wood and created the foundations of a fort. Upon inspection the next day, they decided the fort was crooked, so they tore it all apart and started over. They needed more nails, so I returned to the hardware store to purchase another three pounds of nails. That is a LOT of nails in two days!!! The fort was declared a success and it included a small sapling which would bend enough to gently lower them down to the ground from their tree house fort. They had fun learning about building stuff and the fort was used for many fun activities when it was completed. I regret not taking a photo of that fort!

You Are invited

You are invited to send us your performance of My Treehouse.

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 My Treehouse and perhaps we can post it here.

My Treehouse - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Return To Store image

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/my-treehouse-song-for-young-singers-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

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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

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/swamp-friends-song-for-young-singers-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 Because https://donnaandandy.com/product/song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer-because/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer-because/#respond Fri, 09 Dec 2022 02:18:43 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=514468 Because is an inquisitive look at the natural world. Why are zebras black and white? Why are snakes so long and thin? There are many things that may cause us to stop and wonder. The singer of this song has the answer: “Because, that’s the way it is!”

Because is a lovely solo for a young singer, or for a presentation by students in lower to middle elementary grades. The simple melody fits within a one-octave tone set. The verse is written using simple quarter and half notes with natural, lilting, swung eighths creating a pleasant rhythmic contrast in the chorus.

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide
  • Accompaniment – piano

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Because

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Because.

Because - by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE

Teaching Tips

Introduce this song by asking your students if they know the answers to any of the questions mentioned in the lyrics.

  • Do they have any questions they can ask to stump the teacher?
  • Clap the simple rhythm of the song.
  • Sing the song using solfege and/or note names.
  • Find the phrases that use step-wise movement.
  • Find the notes that are a fourth apart or a third apart.
  • Find the three notes that create an arpeggiated triad.

Performance tip

Have two students join their vocal forces to sing this song as a partner song. Singers alternate singing phrases for the verses and then join to sing the chorus in unison. This helps facilitate younger singers who may find it challenging to learn and/or memorize a three-verse song.

Composer's Notes

I keep a notebook where I jot down song ideas. Bits and pieces of words that pique my interest, and things I see that are curious or funny (or beautiful or inspiring!) all find their way into the pages where they are kept for a later time.

Questions are often great inspiration for songs. As they were growing up, my own children asked me many questions as they explored the world around them. Whatever children see they will question, and “Why?” is one of the most frequently asked questions of all.

I remember being asked if worms poop. Fortunately, I had paid attention in grade 7 science class enough to be able to come up with the astute response, “If it eats, it poops.” My son went on his way and I was pleased to have been able to give a satisfactory answer. Other questions are not as easy, but these days we have a world of information at our fingertips and we can look up just about anything almost instantly. Wow.

“Because” evolved from a list of questions that I thought would be interesting to use as song ideas. Instead of writing a song about each of the questions, they became a group of questions all contained in one song. The questions came from the place in my imagination where I am still a curious child, wondering about things. However, the answer to all those questions seems to have formulated from that internal spot many parents revert to when we really don’t have answers for the hundreds of questions our kids ask us. “Because, that’s the way it is” is probably not a very satisfying answer for a truly inquiring mind, but it became a fun combination of words to sing, so that’s how it was written.

Before my grandchildren (or my young students) sing this song and ask me for the REAL answers, I have some homework to do!

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!

Purchase option

Because is also available through Full Voice Music  (2 verse version) as part of the publication  Songs and Studies for Kids Level B


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

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

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