Movement Songs Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/topic/songs-with-movement/ Music by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:58:06 +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 Movement Songs Archives - Donna & Andy https://donnaandandy.com/topic/songs-with-movement/ 32 32 Winter Concert Songs for Children – Vol. 1 – Grades K-1 (ages 5-7) https://donnaandandy.com/product/winter-concert-songs-for-children-vol-1-grades-k-1-ages-5-7-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/winter-concert-songs-for-children-vol-1-grades-k-1-ages-5-7-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:31:12 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=521528 This collection of winter concert songs for children is a great resource for music teachers searching for concert repertoire for Kindergarten and grade 1 students, singers ages 5-7. The songs are a super fit for school concerts in December without dealing with any specific holidays. The songs are mostly winter themed (with one “freeze dance”) and two of the songs can change snow lyrics to alternate star or candle lyrics for even more versatility.

Five Little Snowflakes/ Five Shiny Stars – Beginning with one snowflake, each verse adds another snowflake and a new action until ending with five snowflakes. The same melody is used with alternate lyrics to create the song, Five Shiny Stars.

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Jiggle Wiggle Freeze! – Although technically not a winter song, this freeze dance is so much fun no one will mind sneaking it into a winter-themed concert. With tongue twisty movement words and fun freeze dance poses, this song is sure to become a favourite!

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Jingle Bells Scarf Activity – This song is one of the top traditional songs and it is about sleigh riding, not holiday specific at all. By singing only part of the chorus and then adding scarf movement, this is a great song for concerts early in the year with beginning singers. It has great visual appeal for concerts and it is lots of fun!

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

See My Little Candle / See the Snowflakes Falling – Sharing a small candle can make a big difference in the world. This delicate song is super effective with the addition of small battery-operated candles. It works for Remembrance Day or Veterans Day programs as well as any time a song about peace is the order of the day. Alternate snowflake lyrics are also provided creating even more versatility.

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Winter A to Z – Using the familiar alphabet song/Twinkle Twinkle Little Star melody, 26 wintery items are presented in this song. You may be surprised at some of the items that are included!

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

These five winter concert songs for Kindergarten and grade 1 singers (ages 5-7) have simple but memorable melodies, and lyrics that are repetitious or very predictable, keeping the lyric load attainable. Instrumental sections are often included to accommodate movement in addition to singing. Adding a featured movement section is a great way to prepare a song with greater length without adding more lyrics. Finally, the songs in this collection are fun for the kids to sing and entertaining for the audience.

The download includes student vocal scores (with permission to print as many copies as required) or teachers may choose to teach the songs by rote. Lead sheets and piano scores are also provided. Lyric sheets are included and are a real time-saver for teachers who can quickly make copies to send home for students to practice. Finally, the inclusion of piano accompaniment tracks with and without melody guide are a great help for teachers who want to be able to direct the students rather than being busy at the piano during the performance.

The book also includes concert planning tips, drawing on Donna’s experience from planning many, many concerts during her 37 years as an elementary music specialist. This collection of songs is a valuable addition to the music repertoire library in kindergarten and grade music classrooms.

Download includes:

  • Vocal scores
  • Lead sheets
  • Director/piano scores
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniments – with melody guide
  • Accompaniments – piano
  • Teaching Tips

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Winter Concert Songs - Vol. 1

Grades K-1 (ages 5-7)

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Composer - music and lyrics details

Music and lyrics - Donna Rhodenizer

  • Five Little Snowflakes / Five Shiny Stars
  • Jiggle Wiggle Freeze!
  • See My Little Candle / See the Snowflakes Falling

Traditional music - Donna Rhodenizer lyrics

  • Winter A to Z

Traditional words and music - arrangement Donna Rhodenizer

  • Jingle Bells Scarf Activity

Option - purchase songs separately

Print copies Available on Amazon

Print copies are available on Amazon.

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

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

Teaching Tips

In this book, Donna explores topics that must be considered by music teachers planning concerts for singers in Kindergarten – grade 1, ages 5-7

  • Factors to keep in mind when choosing music
  • Ways to keep a concert program interesting without over burdening young children with excessive amounts of lyrics
  • Choosing Repertoire
  • Dealing with small voices in large performance spaces
  • Non-singers

Composer's Notes

Winter Concert Songs for Children - Vol.1 - Grades K-1 (age 5-7)

Each song in this collection has its own story of how it came to be written and when it was first used. Overall, this collection is a result of many years of presenting concert programs with my elementary school students. I LOVE planning concerts that are fun for the children to sing and enjoyable for family and friends who attend the performance. Over the years I have needed songs for my youngest students to sing. By writing my own songs I have ensured that they meet the very specific set of criteria that I feel is required to make them worth singing and that help ensure their success. It was fun to put some of these songs together in a collection that I know will help music teachers with their concert planning process. There is no need to reinvent the wheel! I am happy to share these songs and imagine all the smiling faces as kids sing them and make musical memories of their own.

You Are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing these winter songs with your students - 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!

Winter Concert Songs - Vol. 1 - Grades K-1 (age 5-7)

Five Little Snowflakes

Jiggle Wiggle Freeze

Jingle Bells - scarf activity

See My Little Candle

Winter A to Z

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

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

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/winter-concert-songs-for-children-vol-1-grades-k-1-ages-5-7-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 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

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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

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/jingle-bells-scarf-activity-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 4 Turkey Songs and Games https://donnaandandy.com/product/4-turkey-songs-and-games/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/4-turkey-songs-and-games/#respond Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:07:34 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=520798 This collection of turkey songs has been included in Donna’s Thanksgiving lesson plans for over 3 decades. These songs are easy to learn and fun for students in grades K-2.

I’m a Little Turkey – finger play
Five Fine Turkeys – singing game
What the Turkey Said – sing-along song, finger play
Driver! Driver! – singing game

Happy Thanksgiving!

Download Includes:

  • Vocal scores
  • Game/activity instructions
  • Accompaniment tracks
  • MP3 information sheet

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4 Turkey Songs and Games

arranged by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

The download for 4 Turkey Songs and Games includes the vocal scores and audio accompaniment tracks as well. However, I'm sorry you don't have any sample tracks to listen to here at this time.

Teacher Tips

Why are singing games important?

Singing games are a foundational part of elementary music classroom activities. Singing games have a variety of purposes:

  • Provide the opportunity for students to learn through play-based learning. This is one of their primary, inherent learning methods.
  • Prepare music elements that will be identified and presented in later classes (sometimes in the next school year!).
  • Provide examples of music elements to be identified and labelled.
  • Review and practice music elements that have been labelled.
  • Provide students the opportunity to make physical responses, assisting in internalizing the concepts in the song.
  • Provide physical movement “brain breaks” within a lesson. 

A well-planned music class will include one or two singing games. Use a singing game early in the lesson to prepare concepts. Close to the end of a class, a singing game can be used to review something the students already know and to practice those elements in a fun, musical context. In a music class that requires concentration and focus, a fun singing game is a great way for students to relax.


Singing games are best used unaccompanied. This allows students to hear vocal modelling from the teacher without obscuring pitches with an instrument. Singing games include the expectation that students are singing. Unaccompanied singing allows them to hear their own voices as they learn to make vocal changes and match pitch/sing in tune with others.

Composer's Notes

4 Turkey Songs and Games

I didn’t compose these four turkey songs but as soon as I discovered them, they became favourite seasonal songs I enjoyed sharing with my students leading up to Thanksgiving. Although it is great to be a composer and write what I want to sing with my students, finding great songs written by someone else is also a great way to go. Each turkey song in my collection serves a different purpose in the music classroom: a sing-along song, a simple finger play, an action song, and a game that is always a great end-of-class activity.

I grew up on a family farm, but my farming background did not include any experience with turkeys. My visit to a local farm was very informative and the turkeys had a few tricks to play on me! I am glad my students are not inclined to wander off when I am explaining a game. I am also happy that my students are MUCH better at participating in the turkey songs that I use in my music classroom.

Donna Rhodenizer & Turkeys - 4 Turkey Songs and Games

You are Invited

When you have enjoyed singing these 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 video - we might be able to post it on this page!

Send us your video of 4 Turkey Songs and perhaps we can post it here.

A Birdly Debate - song / music composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Return to Store image

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/4-turkey-songs-and-games/feed/ 0 Marching Music & Activities https://donnaandandy.com/product/marching-music-and-activities-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/marching-music-and-activities-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:21:03 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519279 Marches are a great style of music motivating students to move and respond. The infectious beat of a march seems to elicit a response from even the youngest of students. Using march music as students enter and exit the classroom provides focus during these transitions. It is an excellent choice to encourage movement whether it is used for entering the teaching space or as a movement break.

Explore marching as a thematic unit or use the two original instrumental marches and four songs in this collection as a movement activity or fun songs to sing.

Instrumental songs for marching (Original Donna Rhodenizer songs)

  • September March
  • January March (Marshmallow March)

September March and January March are selected from a 12-song series of marches Donna created to use with her students. A variety of activities are suggested for use with these marches including ways to incorporate keeping the beat, moving and responding to phrases, silent beat keeping, dynamics and exploring facial expression.

 Songs to sing

  • March Quickly
  • Deedle Deedle Dumpling
  • The Ants Go Marching
  • Midnight March

March Quickly is a singing game for young, emerging singers to internalize the beat and the tone sets s-m, s-l-s and s-m-d.

Deedle Deedle Dumpling is a singing game that includes a unique way to explore the accented beats of a march in 2/4 time. In addition, it can be used with kindergarten and grade 1 students to prepare and internalize s-m-d combinations and with grade 2 students for labelling and practicing s-m-d combinations.

The Ants Go Marching is a well-loved traditional song, sung at many campfires and on long road trips helping to pass the time. Add marching while singing the song. As well, students can make up their own verses, providing a chance to work on composing skills!

Midnight March is a delightful story about toy soldiers who wake up at midnight to march around the toy shop. They practice their left-right marching steps and eventually return to the shelf where they go back to sleep until it is time for the next midnight march. Repetitious words, a simple melody with a narrow vocal range and easy actions make this a fun song for classroom use and also a winner for school concerts or vocal recitals.

Midnight March has French lyrics, creating the song, La marche de minuit. Use the French version as a language study or wherever a simple French song is required.

Listen to melody + accompaniment - Midnight March:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal scores (March Quickly, Deedle Deedle Dumpling, The Ants Go Marching, Midnight March)
  • Lead sheet (The Ants Go Marching, Midnight March)
  • Full score (Midnight March)
  • Lyrics (The Ants Go Marching, Midnight March)
  • Instrumental accompaniment track with melody guide (Midnight March)
  • Piano accompaniment track (Midnight March)
  • French language study (La marche de minuit) (vocal score and lyrics)
  • Instrumental - lead sheet (September March)
  • Instrumental track (September March)
  • Instrumental - lead sheet (January March)
  • Instrumental track (January March)
  • Teaching tips and strategies
  • LINKS
    • List of YouTube links to samples of famous marches for listening, moving and viewing
    • Instructional videos (links)
      • Marching Activities with Donna – Marching into March
      • September March (with teaching tips)
      • September March (demo)

Also, you can purchase Midnight March separately

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Marching Music & Activities

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

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

Midnight March - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Marching songs - Audio

September March

January March

Teaching Tips

Discussion

Use Midnight March as a discussion starter.

  • What do you think the toys would do if they were allowed to wake up and play in the toy store when nobody was around?
  • What other toys do you think would want to join in the fun?
  • Would you like to sneak in the toy store to watch the toys playing?

Movement Activities

Discuss the musical style of a march.

Listen to a few examples of marches.

Play a variety of marches as students are entering and/or exiting music class. Encourage them to march along with the music.

Add dynamics to the marching by calling out dynamic changes: loud, soft, tiptoe, stomp, etc. Students will need to adjust their steps to generate the dynamic that has been called out.

Keep the Beat

Keep the beat by patsching (patting both hands with flat palms on the thighs).

Keep the beat using other body percussion i.e., tapping the shoulders, hot potato fists, tapping the end of your nose, bending the knees while standing in one spot, windshield wiper hands, tick tocking index fingers, etc.

Marches can be written in 2/4, 4/4 or 6/8 meter. Beat one will be stronger than the other beats. This is easiest to hear in 2/4 meter.

  • Find a march written in 2/4 meter.
  • Move around the room keeping the beat by marching as you listen to the song.
  • Take one shoe off. Start marching on beat one with the “shoe” foot and listen for the accented beat one that is created by stepping shoe, sock, shoe, sock.

Sing the song Deedle Deedle Dumpling

  • March with one shoe off and one shoe on. Begin marching on beat one with the “shoe” foot and listen for the accent on beat one.

The main character in this song (John) has gone to bed with one shoe off and one shoe on. Maybe he was so tired he fell asleep before he could take off the second shoe. Maybe he had been practicing marching and listening for the accented beat!

Composer's Notes

March Music & Activities

I love including marches with my elementary music classes. There is something about a cheery march that gets children moving to the beat, almost instinctively. I wanted a march for some "entering the classroom" music, so I started creating my own using my keyboard. My marches needed to be long enough to last while the students were entering the room and getting to their spots, but not too long so the children would lose interest.

I started amassing a number of these marches and I needed to give them names to keep track of them. September March was written at the beginning of the school year and the title made sense to me. However, as I thought about the title, it amused me to think that September March was created by combining two months of the year. I started labelling my marches with names of months and continued to create new songs until I had a set of 12. Now I have marches from January March through to December March. Not content to just have these amusing combinations, I have also given each march a secondary name that relates to the month that they represent, i.e. January March is subtitled Marshmallow March as a nod to all the snow we get at that time of year. The only month that doesn’t have a subtitle is my first composition, September March.

As I write these composer’s notes, only two of my marches have been introduced outside of my music room to date. However, at some point in time all twelve may be presented as a collection giving children and teachers lots of marching options.

Midnight March is a song I wrote about marching toy soldiers. It has its own composer’s story included at https://donnaandandy.com/product/midnight-march-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/

More Information - Blog Post

Read more about Marching Music & Activities in this blog post. Enjoy!

More Marching Songs

Sing songs written in marching style

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!

Teachers video

Play this for your students

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

Soldiers returning to the Donna & Andy website store

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]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/marching-music-and-activities-by-donna-rhodenizer/feed/ 0 Midnight March https://donnaandandy.com/product/midnight-march-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/midnight-march-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:04:40 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=519235 Midnight March is a delightful story about toy soldiers who wake up at midnight to march around the toy shop. They practice their left-right marching steps and eventually return to the shelf where they go back to sleep until it is time for the next midnight march.

With simple rhythmic and melodic elements, a narrow vocal range, repeated lyrics, and simple actions, Midnight March is a terrific song choice for emerging singers. Although there are no seasonal references in the song, the theme of toy soldiers allows it to fit easily in non-seasonal concerts as well as Christmas-themed concerts or recitals.

Marches are a great style of music to motivate students to move and respond to music. When planning student activities “giving them a reason to listen” informs teaching practices and helps teachers create engaging lessons. The infectious beat of a march seems to elicit a response from even the youngest of students. It is an excellent choice to encourage movement whether it is used for entering the teaching space or as a movement break.

French lyrics also included! Use La marche de minuit as a French language study or as a performance piece.

Midnight March is available as a single song purchase or in combination with other marches and activities in the package, Marching Music & Activities (coming soon - stay tuned)

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • French vocal score – language study
  • French lyrics – language study
  • Accompaniment – with melody guide
  • Accompaniment – piano
  • Teaching Tips

Midnight March is included in Marching Music & Activities on this website

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Midnight March

by Donna Rhodenizer 

Audio & Lyrics

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

Midnight March - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Teaching Tips

Discussion

Use Midnight March as a discussion starter.

  • What do you think the toys would do if they were allowed to wake up and play in the toy store when nobody was around?
  • What other toys do you think would want to join in the fun?
  • Would you like to sneak in the toy store to watch the toys playing?

Movement Activities

Discuss the musical style of a march.

Listen to a few examples of marches.

Play a variety of marches as students are entering and/or exiting music class. Encourage them to march along with the music.

Add dynamics to the marching by calling out dynamic changes: loud, soft, tiptoe, stomp, etc. Students will need to adjust their steps to generate the dynamic that has been called out.


Keep the Beat

Keep the beat by patsching (patting both hands with flat palms on the thighs).

Keep the beat using other body percussion i.e., tapping the shoulders, hot potato fists, tapping the end of your nose, bending the knees while standing in one spot, windshield wiper hands, tick tocking index fingers, etc.

Marches can be written in 2/4, 4/4 or 6/8 meter. Beat one will be stronger than the other beats. This is easiest to hear in 2/4 meter.

  • Find a march written in 2/4 meter.
  • As you listen to the song, move around the room keeping the beat by marching.
  • Take one shoe off. Start marching on beat one with the “shoe” foot and listen for the accented beat one that is created by stepping shoe, sock, shoe, sock.

Actions

Suggested actions are included in the PDF download.

Use the French translation, La marche de minuit to sing the song as a language study or a simple French song for a recital or concert.

Composer's Notes

Midnight March

I am always on the lookout for simple songs for my youngest students to sing. Kindergarten students have only a few short weeks of school before concert preparation begins. Often times this means they haven’t even discovered they have a singing voice, when suddenly they are being asked to sing in a group in front of a gym full of people. This can be daunting! The best plan of action is to choose songs with a melody that is easy for emerging singers to learn, simple repetitious words, and a few actions that help youngsters remember the words. Actions also give the audience a visually interesting performance.

At some point in my teaching career, I stumbled upon a song about toy soldiers. It had good “bones” but there were a few elements in the song that didn’t work the way I would have liked. I changed some lyrics, added some theatrical counting to begin and end the song and Midnight March was the result. Thanks to an unknown composer starting this song, I had a song that was a great addition to my concert. It became one of my favourite songs for young singers and I have included it several times over my teaching career, always with happy singers and great audience response.

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!

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

Soldiers returning to the Donna & Andy website store

The post Midnight March appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/midnight-march-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)

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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 Penguin Parade https://donnaandandy.com/product/penguin-parade-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/penguin-parade-song-for-young-singers-by-donna-rhodenizer/#respond Sun, 04 Feb 2024 23:42:49 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=517807 The penguins are on the move! Where are they going? They reach the water, suddenly stop and then with a belly flop, into the water they go! After swimming is over and they are heading for home, they look like penguin metronomes as they waddle side to side.

Descriptive lyrics create an interesting image of penguins going about their daily activities. Children love learning about these fascinating creatures. Songs about penguins make great performance pieces for festivals, recitals and school concerts.

Penguin Parade challenges singers as they navigate interval jumps that are based on the I-IV-V chords that accompany the song. This is also a great song for exploring 6/8 meter. Actions can be added to create visual interest as the song is sung. An instrumental verse provides the opportunity to repeat the actions while engaging in “inner hearing” or simply waddle like a penguin metronome until concluding the song by singing the first verse again.

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Download Includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Donna & Andy band – instrumental track
  • Donna & Andy – performance track
  • Teaching Tips and Strategies
  • 15 Cross-curricular Activities
  • Colouring page

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Penguin Parade

by Donna Rhodenizer

Audio & Lyrics

Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade - song composed by Donna Rhodenizer - lyrics

Part of a Song Collection

Penguin Parade 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

Here 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.

15 cross-curricular activities

15 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,
  • Language arts
  • Physical Activity
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Technology

Teacher Tips

Exploring vocabulary


Read the lyrics aloud and discuss any unfamiliar words.

  • Do all students know what a belly flop is?
  • What is a metronome? This may require some online searching as many metronomes are now digital. Metronomes used to be wound with a key and had a moving pendulum that would swing side to side keeping the beat. A penguin would resemble this “old fashioned” type of metronome.

Expressive singing

  • Discuss the descriptive words to accent to create an expressive performance.
  • Use crisp consonants and clear diction to tell the story with expression.
  • Add facial expressions to complement the words. Be aware that too many movements can be distracting!

 Add Actions

  • Suggested actions are provided in the PDF download.

Include a dance


Include a penguin dance during the instrumental 2nd “verse” of the song.

  • Use the actions you created when you were singing the song. Don’t sing the words, just do the actions. This uses the skill of inner hearing.
  • Create your own unique dance during the instrumental section.

Have a parade


This marching song is a perfect time to practice some marching, and keeping the beat with your feet!



Actions suggested by the composer  

Bars 9-14 

- keep your feet stationary, but move your body side to side to simulate a waddling penguin

Where will they go?

- hands out to the sides, palms facing up and shrug the  shoulders

With a funny hop

- after singing the word “hop” actually hop in your spot Stop - as you sing the word “Stop” hold both hands up like the sign for “Stop”

Jump into the water

- move both hands forward and away from the body in an arc showing the trajectory of a diving penguin

With a belly flop

- hold one hand at waist level, palm facing up. Move the other hand in a large arc while singing “with a belly” and on the word “flop” the hands connect in a flat clap

After swimming is over

- make swimming motions

Everybody goes home

- wave goodbye

Bars 29-32       

- repeat the waddling motions used in the opening bars

Colouring Page - Download

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

Penguin Parade - Song for Young Singers - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

Composer's Notes

Penguin Parade

I wrote four penguin songs for a teacher at my school who wanted to add some music to a penguin unit she was doing with her students. I didn’t have any songs to offer her but I agreed to write her some. She had a poem about penguins going on parade and she gave me a copy in case it would be useful for my writing. I wrote a little melody to go along with the poem and the students had fun learning it as part of their penguin unit. Later, I wanted to include Penguin Parade in a printed collection of my songs (Computer Cat). Finding it difficult to track down the authors of the poem, I decided it would be easier to write my own lyrics. I already had the melody I had created so I added my new lyrics and then it was easy to include the song in my collection with the other three penguin songs I had written. The penguin set includes a march, a waltz, a country line dance and jaunty “boom chick” style song. It was so much fun to write this collection of songs. Just like the penguins in The Penguin Ball, I was rather sad to come to the end of my penguin song-writing fun. For now, four penguin songs will have to be enough, but you never know, there just might be another penguin song in my future!

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 Penguin Parade and perhaps we can post it here.

Penguin songs - composed by Donna Rhodenizer

The post Penguin Parade appeared first on Donna & Andy.

]]> https://donnaandandy.com/product/penguin-parade-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 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

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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 Just Passing By https://donnaandandy.com/product/just-passing-by-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/ https://donnaandandy.com/product/just-passing-by-song-by-donna-rhodenizer/#comments Fri, 14 Apr 2023 22:08:58 +0000 https://donnaandandy.com/?post_type=product&p=516023 Just Passing By is perfect for graduation ceremonies and celebrating the end of the school year. This song explores celebrating friendship, looking ahead, and saying goodbye but remembering shared experiences. The words are appropriate for singers of all ages to sing for retirements and other farewells.

This song is sure to be a hit with students (and adults!) of all ages.

Voicing Options:

  • Unison - key of Eb
  • Unison - key of G
  • SSA – key of G

Listen to the Donna & Andy performance track:

Listen to melody + accompaniment:

Listen to this SSA version - by The Aeolian Singers, Halifax NS, Canada:

Unison Download includes:

  • Vocal score
  • Lead sheet
  • Director/piano score
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - with melody guide
  • Accompaniment - piano
  • Bonus: Donna & Andy - performance track
  • Donna & Andy band - instrumental track (key of E♭)
  • 12 Cross-curricular Activities
  • Colouring page

SSA Download includes:

  • SSA score (vocal and piano)
  • Lyrics
  • Accompaniment - piano

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Just Passing By

by Donna Rhodenizer

Unison - Key of Eb

Context       Choir: elementary, middle school, high school, adult/community, vocal solo

Level                Age 12 and up, grade 4-6, middle school, high school, adult

Vocal Range     B♭3 - C5 

Audio Sample   melody plus piano

Just Passing By - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE - artwork by Richard Bennett

Unison - Key of G

Context      Choir: elementary, middle school, high school, adult/community, vocal solo

Level                Age 12 and up, middle school, high school, adult

Vocal Range     D4 - E5

Audio Sample   Sample track - melody plus piano

Just Passing By - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE - artwork by Richard Bennett

Unison - Key of G

Context      Choir: elementary, middle school, high school, adult/community, vocal solo

Level                Age 12 and up, middle school, high school, adult

Vocal Range     D4 - E5

Audio Sample   Sample track - melody plus piano

Just Passing By - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE - artwork by Richard Bennett

SSA - Key of G

Context             Choir: elementary, middle school, high school, adult/community

Level                 Age 12 and up, middle school, high school, adult

Audio Sample   SSA - performed by The Aeolian Singers, Halifax NS, Canada

Just Passing By - composed by Donna Rhodenizer - Lyrics - SAMPLE - artwork by Richard Bennett

Part of a Song Collection

Just Passing By is one of 12 songs from the award-winning song collection "Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me". 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 122-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)

Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me - Songbook - by Donna & Andy

Stream and 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 purchase on this website.

Teaching and Performing tips

Concert Repertoire

Just Passing By is perfect for graduation ceremonies and celebrating the end of the school year with your students. This song explores celebrating friendship, looking ahead, and saying goodbye but remembering shared experiences. Play the performance track for your special students or have them learn the song and sing it themselves using the instrumental accompaniment track. Written in a pop style, this song is sure to be a hit with students (and adults!) of all ages. 

Just Passing By - Grad Cap and Diploma

Expressive Singing

Discuss the words of the song.

Use dynamics to support the lyrics and sing expressively.

The mood of this song is optimistic even though the singer is saying goodbye.

The key change before the third chorus helps “lift” the piece and give it some momentum.

Use the higher, brighter sound created by the key change to convey the sense of optimism of the lyrics.

Form

Just Passing By begins with the chorus. The form of the piece is ABABA - Chorus, verse, chorus, verse, altered chorus.

Although there are three choruses, in the third chorus the words change.

How will you sing the third chorus differently than the previous two choruses?

Musical Roadmap

You will need to know how to follow the musical “road map” of this song.

Discuss repeat signs and 1st and 2nd endings.

Follow the music as you listen to the performance track.

Special Graduation Presentation

Have each member of the graduating class provide their photo from Kindergarten plus a more recent photo.

Organize the photos in two-photo groupings showing the younger photo first and then reveal who that youngster is by showing their recent photo.

Use the performance track of Just Passing By as the background for your photo presentation for a memorable walk down "memory lane".

Donna & Andy - very young & not so young

Cross-curricular Extensions 

The Just Passing By  cross-curricular extensions are provided in the following subject areas:

-  Language Arts

-  Personal Development

-  Visual Art

-  Memory Skills

-  Social Studies

-  Personal development

-  History

-  Math

Sequential instructions are provided for each activity. Preparation/supplies are indicated

View activities sample pages here

Download with your purchase of the unison versions of Just Passing By

Listen and discuss

Extend the song into a time of discussion and personal reflection.

  •   Listen to the performance track (vocals and band) of Just Passing By
  •   Read the lyrics and get to know the music.
  •   Use Just Passing By to initiate and stimulate engaging discussion with students.

- How do the students feel about graduating?

- Discuss the emotions of ending one phase of life and beginning another.

- At what other occasions might people feel these same emotions?

12 cross-curricular activities

12 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
  • Language arts
  • History
  • Math
  • Multi-curricular
  • Personal development
  • Social studies

Colouring Page - Download

Download (pdf), print and have fun colouring this page while you listen to the song Just Passing By 

Just Passing By - song by Donna Rhodenizer

Composer's Notes

Just Passing By

Just Passing By was written for a very special group of grade six students who were leaving my elementary school music program and moving on to grade seven in a different school. It was sad to see them go but we were all excited about the possibilities that were ahead of them.

The inspiration for the song came from my discovery of a quote made by famous Quaker missionary, Stephen Grellet (1773-1855):

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I will not pass this way again.”

Not only did this quote inspire the writing of my song, but it was also good advice for being kind and making a positive difference in the world around us. I made a poster of this quote and had it on the wall in my music room for many years.

Over the years I have initiated discussions with my “graduating” students about their excitement and trepidation surrounding leaving elementary school and moving on to a different school with new possibilities and lots of unknowns. The bonds we form with our friends is a great source of strength as we grow together, and a source of comfort when we remember those who we may no longer see, but who have helped us on our journey so far.

Changing the final chorus of Just Passing By helped create a positive spin on this farewell song. “As we pass by, our memories will not let this end. If just in memories, I know we’ll pass this way again.”

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 of Just Passing By - we might be able to post it on this page!

Just Passing By - song by Donna Rhodenizer - artwork by Richard Bennett

Send us your video of Just Passing By and perhaps we can post it here.

Return to Store - by Richard Bennett

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