2011 Candian Music Educators Association (CMEA) "Jubilate Award of Merit" recipient Donna Rhodenizer is an accomplished songwriter, composer and music educator. Her song lyrics sparkle with imagination and humour and reflect a writer who has the ability to reach into the imaginations and hearts of children (and their parents!). Donna's songs become favorites of the fans who hear her perform in concert as part of the duo Donna & Andy, listen to her songs on Donna & Andy CDs and are delighted to sing her songs in their school music programs.

Donna is a music education specialist who has been teaching elementary school music for over 25 years. This wealth of experience with children and music is very evident in the songs she creates. She has received four nominations for Educator of the Year from Music Nova Scotia (MNS) Music teachers use her songbooks in music programs across Canada and in the U.S., and watch with great anticipation for her newest offerings. Donna has written over 100 songs which are in print, with an additional two-dozen awaiting release.

Donna teaches elementary school music in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Much of her musical inspiration is derived from regular contact with her young students (budding musicians). Her original songs are enthusiastically received by her students who often help by critiqing her song ideas before they reach their final form. Her children's songs are all "child tested and approved" by some very discerning young singers before the rest of the world even hears them.

Donna has written three song collections with companion CDs for elementary level students: Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me, Computer Cat, and It’s Christmas Time; as well as co-writing a fourth book, Blue Skies and Pirates, with fellow writer/performer/musician, Andy Duinker.

The "Computer Cat" recording received a 2004 East Coast Music Award for Children's Recording of the Year, and the "Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me" CD received an ECMA nomination in the same category in 2006. "Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me" was nominated for a 2007 Juno and received a 2006 Nova Scotia Music Award for Children's Recording of the Year. "It's Christmas Time" was nominated for a 2007 ECMA award. "Blue Skies and Pirates" received a 2009 ECMA nomination.

	In addition to writing music for children, Donna writes original songs and arrangements for adult audiences. Her songs reveal a writer in touch with people and life experiences, a strong wit and a unique way of seeing the world. Her ability to tell a good story, both in music and in general conversation, are strengths in the folk music world.

Donna’s music reflects her love of harmony and beautiful singable melodies instilled through her choral experience and classical music training. These strengths have resulted in Donna being commissioned to write songs and/or arrangements for several leading choirs in Nova Scotia. Her music is well-loved by the choirs who include her songs in their regular repertoire. Donna’s choral compositions now top 40 in a variety of voicing configurations for professional, community and school choirs. Her music is printed and promoted by Red Castle Publishing, the company she co-founded and co-owns with Andy Duinker.