The music of Donna Rhodenizer bridges age and time with thought provoking and imaginative lyrics. Together with Andy Duinker, original songs by each or both are found in the Rhodenizer & Duinker Choral Series. Donna and Andy are also arrangers of fine musical works. Their vocal experience is evident in the attention taken to create lyrical musical lines for each part and the rich harmonies used in their arrangements. The selections available are listed below. Bookmark this page and return often to review new titles as they are added or send this page to your musical colleagues.

Rhodenizer & Duinker Choral Series

Title
Voicing
Composer
Also in Songbook
Cat. #
Deo SSA Rhodenizer Christmas Time RCP 0012
Dream SSA, SAB Rhodenizer, Duinker   TTT 0002
Dust Bunny Rag SSA Rhodenizer Now is the Time RCP 0018
Heaven's Open Arms SSA, SAB Rhodenizer, Duinker   TTT 0003
Huron Carol SAB Rhodenizer Christmas Time RCP 0312
Just Passing By SSA, SAB Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
RCP 0016
Love of the Sea, The Unison/SATB Rhodenizer   No. 5034 Leslie Choral Series
Love of the Sea, The SSA Rhodenizer   RCP
One Small Voice SSA Rhodenizer Christmas Time TTT 0011
Peace of Christmas, The SAB Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
RCP 0112
Quilt, The SSA, SAB Rhodenizer   RCP 0001
Rhythm of the Rain SATB Rhodenizer   RCP 0014
Shenandoah SAB Rhodenizer   RCP 0009
Singing in the Choir SATB Rhodenizer   RCP 0023
Sweet Hour of Prayer SAB Rhodenizer   RCP 0007
We are the Children of the World SSA/optional Mixed Choir Rhodenizer Computer Cat OCT 9801
Why Can't I Be? SATB Rhodenizer
RCP 0027A




More of Donna Rhodenizer's original songs are available in five songbook collections. These songs are written for children and are presented in songbooks for use by music educators and classroom teachers. Each book contains songs at a variety of skill levels from first year students through grade 6, on a variety of topics for use throughout the school year. Donna Rhodenizer's signature songwriting style is evident in her use of lyrical vocal lines, playable piano accompaniments, interesting lyrics and a variety of musical styles.

Titles of songbooks:

Computer Cat Song Book , Computer Cat Teacher's Resource , Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me Songbook, Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me Teacher’s Resource , Blue Skies and Pirates and It's Christmas Time have been included in the Nova Scotia Department of Education's Book Bureau listing as Authorized Learning Resources for elementary students.



Title
Voicing
Composer
Songbook
Bedtime Tango Unison Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
Best One for the Job Unison Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
"Can't Wait till I'm Older" Blues Unison Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
Christmas A to Z Unison Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
Computer Cat Unison Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Cool Bob Unison Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
Deo * Unison Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
Dust Bunny Rag * Unison Rhodenizer Now is the Time
Ed the Invisible Dragon Unison Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
Forty Little Birdies Unison Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Get Up in the Mornin' Unison Rhodenizer Now is the Time
Huron Carol * Unison Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
I Need a Home for my Dinosaur Unison Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
I Wonder Unison Rhodenizer Computer Cat
I'm Wishing 2-part Rhodenizer Computer Cat
It's Christmas Time Unison Rhodenizer Computer Cat, It's Christmas Time
Joyful Bells Instrumental Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
Just Passing By * Unison Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
Mister Santa I've Been Good Unison Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
My Hamster 2-part Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Now is the Time Unison Rhodenizer Now is the Time
One Small Voice * Unison Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
Packing Unison Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Penguin Ball, The Unison Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Penguin Parade Unison Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Pére Noël Unison Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
Phone Me Unison Rhodenizer Now is the Time
Pondering Penguins Unison Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Rap it Up to Go Unison Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
Sing "Gloria!" 2-part Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
Singin' the Blues Unison Rhodenizer Now is the time
Sleep Gently, Tiny Child Unison Rhodenizer Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
Splashing in the Puddles 2-part Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Star Above Unison Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
Star Light Star Bright Unison Rhodenizer Now is the Time
Tale of the Teazer, The Unison Rhodenizer
Vacation Song Unison Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Waiting Patiently for Santa Choral reading Rhodenizer It's Christmas Time
Wake Up Unison Duinker Now is the Time
We are the Children of the World * Unison/2-part Rhodenizer Computer Cat
Who's in the Tub? Unison Duinker Now is the Time
Why Can't I Be? * Unison/SSA Rhodenizer Not currently available in SB

* also octavo (see listing of titles and voicings in the Rhodenizer & Duinker Choral Series)





Song book and CD
All songs written by Donna Rhodenizer

13 musical selections ranging in skill level from early to upper elementary grades
Full score/piano parts for all songs
Reproducible student pages for each child to have a copy of the lyrics and/or the vocal music
Upbeat songs in a variety of styles and various topics
Songs suitable for elementary choirs and for use as all-school finales for concerts
Fun songs for use in the classroom to encourage imagination, improvisation and student participation
Supported by CD with full performance tracks as well as instrumental accompaniment tracks (for CD details go to recordings)

Contents:

Computer Cat Have you ever wondered what would happen if your cat ate the computer mouse?

I Wonder, Penguin Parade, Pondering Penguins, Penguin Ball A chance to add some music to your unit on penguins. Sing fun songs, find out facts, do a few penguin dances, and discover what penguins might have in their clothes closets!

My Hamster If you have ever lost your hamster, this song is for you!

Packing Get those bags packed as you prepare to take your vacation, but be sure to check your ticket date before you go.

Vacation Song Improvisation is encouraged in this song as one explores a variety of vacation destinations.

It's Christmas Time Wouldn't it be great to feel the excitement and joy of Christmas all year? Suitable for concert finale.

Forty Little Birdies A chance to dance and peep along as you discover exactly what birds do while sitting on the telephone wires.

Splashing in the Puddles Put on your galoshes and do a bit of soft shoe as you enjoy this happy echo song.

I'm Wishing Everyone has wished on a star at some time or another. A bluesy perspective on one child's wish for a better world.

We are the Children of the World An anthem song for your class, choir or the entire school. A pop rock feel, combined with powerful lyrics, will make this song a hit with students across all grade levels.

Go to order form.




Teacher's Resource and CD

Songs with cross-curricular activities for elementary classrooms
All songs written by Donna Rhodenizer

All songs from the Computer Cat songbook (listed above) are provided in an expanded format including cross-curricular activities that can be used in regular elementary classrooms as connections to the songs or as stand-alone activities.
Includes reproducible student pages, lyrics and vocal music for students, full score/accompaniments, and activities in a variety of subject areas.
Supported by CD with full performance tracks as well as instrumental accompaniment tracks.

See a sample of the opening pages of Computer Cat Teacher's Resource. Sample includes the Introduction, explanation of how the book is set up, topical index and activity pages for the song Computer Cat.


 

 

Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
Song book and CD
All songs written by Donna Rhodenizer

12 musical selections ranging in skill level from early to upper elementary grades
Full score/piano parts for all songs
Reproducible student pages for each child to have a copy of the lyrics and/or the vocal music
Upbeat songs in a variety of styles and various topics
Songs suitable for elementary choirs and for use as all-school finales for concerts
Fun songs for use in the classroom to encourage imagination, improvisation and student participation
Supported by CD with full performance tracks as well as instrumental accompaniment tracks (for CD details go to
recordings)

Contents (All songs written by Donna Rhodenizer)

Ed the Invisible Dragon , the tale of an imaginary creature who is the cause of mishaps and messes in the household that cannot seem to be explained. With saucy sax riffs and the addition of B3 Hammond organ, this tune is the right combination of secret service stealth and mischief.

The Most Important Person showcases Andy's vocal talents. Andy provides a different voice for five distinct characters, each who believes he is the most important person on the ship. It is a bit of a verbal battle, but the Captain wins out in the end!

I Need a Home for my Dinosaur explores the dilemma of having a pet that eats more than he should and must be given away. The addition of tuba and banjo create a good-natured accompaniment that complements and supports the lyrics of this delightful children's song. I Need a Home for my Dinosaur is one of Donna's earliest songs for children, and it has become a favourite of many fans, young and old.

Gramma's Pajamas follows Gramma's problems with her lacy pink pajamas. With too much giggling and not enough sleep, Gramma is tired and ready to try almost anything (except giving up her "jammies") to get some rest. The fiddling of Gordon Stobbe and the solid bluegrass guitar and banjo stylings of Greg Simm bring this tune to life and will ensure a special spot in the "favourites list" for this tune.

The Best One for the Job focuses on all the things a person enjoys as a unique individual. The lyrics promote self-esteem and the message to "be happy with yourself". Authentic accordion accompaniment adds a great flavour to this tune.

Cool Bob is a blues tune with attitude. Over the standard I-IV-V-I blues changes, Andy narrates the story of a man and his cat, both known as "Cool Bob" who have learned how to make a living on the street as jazz musicians. If you can snap your fingers, get them ready, you will want to use them on this song.

The "Can't Wait 'til i'm Older" Blues takes a second look at some of the pitfalls that might occur in the future once we procure those things we all think we want – a car, a great job and a place of our own. The sax takes its turn at wailing the blues during the instrumental third verse.

No More School for Me! is a celebration of those unexpected holidays when snow limits one's ability to leave the house and when staying in bed is the only logical option. Written in a style that could be described as "Leroy Anderson meets mall music" this song is catchy and as delightful as a winter sleigh ride.

Bedtime Tango is written from the perspective of a child who has been sent to bed, but who can think of too many fun things to do instead of going to sleep. Juxtaposing a lullaby with a tango, this song will either help you sleep or send you searching for a rose to clamp in your teeth as you tango behind closed doors.

Sleep Gently Tiny Child features the voices of children from Donna's extended family (The Relative Minors) accompanied by harp (played by Jennifer Wyatt) and four-part vocal harmony by Donna & Andy. The combination creates a lovely lullaby, and a quiet gem tucked in amongst the more lively songs in this collection.

Just Passing By was written for a group of Donna's students who were graduating. The words are thoughtful, inspiring and contain a great message for anyone facing change in his or her life. Andy's mellow baritone lead voice is supported by Donna and the "Relative Minors" creating a pop hit.

Raise Up Your Voices celebrates the joy of sharing music with others. With driving percussion, funky bass and even a wa wa guitar, this rhythmic celebration of singing is a great finale song for this collection. 

Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me
  Teacher's Resource and CD
Songs with cross-curricular activities for elementary classrooms
All songs written by Donna Rhodenizer

All songs from the Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me songbook (listed above) are provided in an expanded format including cross-curricular activities that can be used in regular elementary classrooms as connections to the songs or as stand-alone activities.
Includes:

  • reproducible student pages
  • lyrics and vocal music for students
  • full score/accompaniments
  • activities in a variety of subject areas.

Supported by CD with full performance tracks as well as instrumental accompaniment tracks.

Coming soon... A Sample
of Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me Teacher's Resource. Sample includes activity pages for the song Ed the Invisible Dragon.




It's Christmas Time
Songs and concert script for elementary level students
by Donna Rhodenizer


It's Christmas Time is a great collection of original songs by Donna Rhodenizer, for use in school concerts, or just gathering around the piano at home. The original purchaser of the book can photocopy the vocal parts and lyric sheets. Full piano accompaniments are also provided. For those who wish to use the songs in a concert setting, staging suggestions, song introductions and two scripts are also included.

Supported by CD with full performance tracks as well as instrumental accompaniment tracks.

s

Contents (All songs written by Donna Rhodenizer)

Christmas A to Z Use the alphabet to keep track of all the things that make Christmas special.

Deo Celebrate the joy, peace, love and hope of the season. Appropriate for groups with a mixture of religious faiths. A fabulous closing number for any concert.

Huron Carol A beautiful traditional carol telling the Christmas story.

It's Christmas Time Wouldn't it be great to feel the excitement and joy of Christmas all year? An excellent all-school finale or choir selection for your Christmas concert.

Joyful Bells A jubilant instrumental song written for handbells, but adaptable for other instruments. A great pre-concert "overture".

Mister Santa Santa needs to know just how good you have been this year. With this song you can tell him in both English and French. Includes 4-bar musical interludes for optional body percussion or hand jives.

One Small Voice Each small voice makes a difference in the world, whether it was one small child many years ago, or one small child helping to fill today's world with song.

Pére Noel Pére Noël needs to know exactly what to bring in his sack of presents. You can tell him in this song. Written in French, optional English words are also provided.

Rap It Up To Go Things have changed with the technology available these days. Even Santa is changing some traditions.

Sing, "Gloria"! A calypso-type offering of the Christmas story. Includes descant vocal line and claves part.

Star Above A gentle song of hope and peace. Like stars, we can all make the world a brighter place as we share hope and love.

Waiting Patiently for Santa (Choral reading) A humorous look at someone who has NOT learned the art of patience on the most exciting night of the year.

 


Blue Skies and Pirates
Songs for elementary level students
by Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker

12 musical selections ranging in skill level from early to upper elementary grades
Full score/piano parts for all songs
Reproducible student pages for each child to have a copy of the lyrics and/or the vocal music
Upbeat songs in a variety of styles including blues, boogie woogie, calypso, and lullaby
Songs suitable for use as all-school finales for concerts
Fun songs for use in the classroom to encourage improvisation and student participation

New revised edition of this songbook and the companion CD, available in September 2008.


"Blue Skies and Pirates"

Contents (all songs written by Donna Rhodenizer and/or Andy Duinker):

Wake up! A great song to get you up and going in the morning with a smile on your face.

Get Up in the Mornin' See what weather "Momma Nature" is going to send your way but don't be grumpy or "blue"!

Dust Bunny Rag If you have these fuzzy little creatures in your house, this song is for you.

Singin' the Blues This song is written from a child's perspective. In true "blues" fashion, there is nothing going to keep this kid from complaining.

Phone Me This song is a boogie woogie rendition dedicated to anyone who has ever tried to reach someone by phone and ended up talking to a machine.

Who's in the Tub? You will have a chance to suggest who you think is taking all the tub time. It may even be the principal!

Star Light Star Bright Do you think it is possible that the stars look down and make a wish on the people they see here on earth? Just who is wishing on whom?

I Got a Sister (but I Wanted a Dog)

It's A Pirate's Life for Me

Cha Cha Cha

Now is the Time A farewell song that makes a great closing number for concerts and musical programs of all sorts.

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