Donna Rhodenizer's original songs are available in five song collections (with two collections expanded as teacher's resources). The songs are written for music educators and classroom teachers to use with their elementary-level students. Each book contains songs with a range of skill levels from first year students through Grade 6. Songs encompass a variety of topics providing songs for different occasions throughout the school year. Donna Rhodenizer's signature song writing style is evident in her use of lyrical vocal lines, playable piano accompaniments, interesting lyrics and a variety of musical styles.
The printed song collections include
a companion CD providing performance tracks as well as accompaniement tracks for all the songs. CDs can also be purchased separately.
All song collections are included in the Nova
Scotia Department of Education's Book Bureau listing as Authorized
Learning Resources for elementary students.
Alphabetical Listing of all songs in Song Collections
Song Collection 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 lyrics and/or vocal parts
- Upbeat songs in a variety of styles and various topics
- Songs for elementary choirs, classroom singing, general concert use and
all-school concert finales
- Fun songs for use in the classroom encourage imagination,
improvisation
and
student participation
Supported by CD with performance tracks as well as instrumental accompaniment tracks. Companion CD received a 2004 ECMA Award for Children's Recording of the Year
Songs in this collections (All songs
written by Donna Rhodenizer) Computer Cat Have you ever wondered what would happen if your cat ate the computer
mouse?
I Wonder, Penguin Parade, Pondering
Penguins, The 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.
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.
Dinosaurs,
Dragons
and Me
Song Collection 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 lyrics and/or vocal parts
- Upbeat songs in a variety of styles and various
topics
- Songs ideal for elementary choirs, classroom singing, general concert use and all-school concert finales
- Fun songs for
use in the classroom encourage imagination,
improvisation
and student participation
- Supported by
JUNO-nominated CD with full performance tracks as well as instrumental
accompaniment tracks (for CD details go to Recordings)
Companion CD received a 2007 Juno nomination for Children's Recording of the Year
Songs in this collections (All songs
written by Donna Rhodenizer):
Ed the Invisible Dragon Try checking the foot of your bed for an invisible dragon. It might explain those messes that "no one" made at your house.
The Most Important Person
Five different Andy voices for
five distinct characters, each who believes he is the most important
person working on the ship.
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. This is
one of Donna's earliest songs for children, and it has become a
favourite of many fans, young and old. Gramma's Pajamas Gramma's lacy pink pajamas tickle her neck and her toes and she cannot sleep. Giggle along or tap your toes to this lively bluegrass tune.
Cool Bob is a blues tune with
attitude. A man and his cat, both known as "Cool Bob" have
learned how to make a living on the street as jazz musicians. Get ready to snap along. The "Can't Wait 'til I'm Older"
Blues When we are young a car, a great job and a place of our own sounds pretty good. This is a second look at what responsibilities may be involved with those perks. No More School for Me! Written in a style that could be described as "Leroy
Anderson meets mall music" this catchy song about snowy days is
a winter sleigh ride. Bedtime
Tango 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 A lovely lullaby, and a quiet gem tucked in amongst the more lively
songs in this collection.
Just Passing By written for a group of graduating students, thoughtful, inspiring words contain a great message for anyone facing
change in his or her life.
Raise Up Your Voices Driving
percussion, funky bass and even a wa wa guitar create a
celebration of singing and sharing music with others.
Blue Skies and Pirates Song Collection and CD
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
Companion CD received a 2009 ECMA nomination for Children's Recording of the Year
Songs in this collections (All songs
written by Donna Rhodenizer and/or Andy Duinker)
Get Up in the Mornin' See what
weather "Momma Nature" is going to send your way but don't be grumpy or
"blue"! I'd Rather be a Bear No shaving required, eating on purpose to pack on the pounds, sleeping all winter, and allowed to be grouchy if woken up early - I'd rather be a bear!
Best Friends Sometimes things just go wrong - but a best friend can be counted on to be there through thick and thin.
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.
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?
Someone Like Me Maybe what the world needs to make it a better place is one small person - someone like you.
It's Christmas Time (C'est Noël)
Songs and concert script for elementary level students
by Donna Rhodenizer
Bilingual Song Collection - includes English and French CDs
- 9 songs in both English and French
- Alternate winter lyrics for selected songs
- Lyric pages and vocal parts presented entirely in French or entirely in English to accommodate immersion and French first language program
requirement
- One handbell feature and one handbell accompaniment included
- Full score/piano parts for all songs
- Reproducible student pages for lyrics and/or vocal parts
- Songs ideal for elementary choirs, classroom singing, general concert use and all-school concert finales
- Concert staging and costume suggestions
- Complete script and individual song introductions (in English only)
Supported by two CDs with English and French performance tracks as well as instrumental accompaniment tracks. Companion CD (English) received an ECMA nomination for Children's Recording of the Year
Songs in this collection (All songs
written by Donna Rhodenizer with French adaptations by Gisèle Caron)
Christmas A to Z / L'alphabet de Noël: Use the
alphabet to keep track of all the things that make Christmas special. Winter version lyrics in English and French are included.
Deo / 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. Optional handbell accompaniment provided.
It's Christmas Time / Noël s'en vient: 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 / Père Noël j'étais gentil: 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 / Une seule voix: 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.
Father Christmas / Père Noel: Père
Noël needs to know exactly what to bring in his sack of presents.
This song can be used to provide Father Christmas with some gift suggestions.
Rap It Up To Go Things have
changed with the technology available these days. Even Santa is
changing some traditions.
Sing, "Gloria"! / Chante "Gloria": A calypso-type
offering of the Christmas story. Includes descant vocal line and claves
part.
Star Above / Étoile du ciel: A gentle song of
hope and peace. Like stars, we can all make the world a brighter place
as we share hope and love.
La vie pour moi
French song collection and CD for elementary level students
by Donna Rhodenizer
- Twelve original Donna Rhodenizer songs adapted into French for this 100%
French song collection
-
Includes Édouard le dragon invisible, Le chat d'ordi, La vie du pirate and other favourites
- Upbeat songs in a variety of styles and various topics
- Full score/piano parts for all songs
- Reproducible student pages for lyrics and/or vocal parts
- Songs ideal for elementary choirs, classroom singing, general concert use and all-school concert finales
- Fun songs for use in the classroom encourage imagination, improvisation
and student participation
Supported by French CD with performance tracks as well as instrumental accompaniment tracks. Companion CD received a 2012 Music Nova Scotia Award for Francophone Recording of the Year and a 2013 ECMA Award for Children's Recording of the Year
Songs in this collection (All songs
written by Donna Rhodenizer with French adaptations by Gisèle Caron)
La vie du pirate (A Pirate's Life): Lucky pirates can do whatever they want. It's "off to the sea" for me.
Édouard le dragon invisible (Ed the Invisible Dragon): Try checking the foot of your bed for an invisible dragon. It might explain those messes that "no one" made at your house.
Je voudrais devenir un ours (I'd Rather be a Bear): No shaving required, eating on purpose to pack on the pounds, sleeping all winter, and allowed to be grouchy if woken up early - I'd rather be a bear!
Le chat d'ordi (Computer Cat): Have you ever wondered what would happen if your cat ate the computer
mouse?
Un foyer pour mon dinosaure (I Need a Home for my Dinosaur): Explore the dilemma of having a pet that eats more than he should
and must be given away. This is
one of Donna's earliest songs for children, and it has become a
favourite of many fans, young and old.
Ma petite valise (Packing): Get those bags
packed as you prepare to take your vacation, but be sure to check your
ticket date before you go.
En vacances (Vacation Song): Improvisation
is encouraged in this song as one explores a variety of vacation
destinations.
Une traversée (Just Passing By): Written for a group of graduating students, these thoughtful, inspiring words contain a great message for anyone facing
change in his or her life.
Nous sommes les enfants du monde (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.