A Holiday Fiesta! Cover Image

A Holiday Fiesta!: Choral SoundTrax CD

$29.99 USD
Sale price  $29.99 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
A Holiday Fiesta! Cover Image

A Holiday Fiesta!: Choral SoundTrax CD

(A Partner Song with "Dale, Dale, Dale")

Traditional Mexican Folk Song / arr., with new words and music, by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid

Item: 00-48466

$29.99
Shipped

One moment…

Description
This festive partner song combines the traditional Mexican folk song "Dale, Dale, Dale" with an original tune all about swinging at the piñata. What a great choice for the holidays, or celebrations of any kind! With a choice of English or Spanish words and perfectly paired independent melodies, it's sure to be a hit for singers taking their first cracks at harmony.

A Holiday Fiesta!: Choral SoundTrax CD isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Pages

No sample pages found.

Sample Audio
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
UPC: 038081552897
SKU: 00-48466

More about this title

About the Arranger: Mary Donnelly

Mary Donnelly

Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid have spent decades creating music specifically designed for young singers. Donnelly, who earned degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno and Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, taught general music and choir in elementary and middle schools for thirty years in the Washoe County School District. She met Strid in 1985 while team-teaching a sixth grade music class, and their principal's request to write a musical for Reading Week sparked a creative partnership that has produced over two hundred songs and twenty-five musicals.

Together, Donnelly and Strid have become known for their ability to blend traditional material with accessible original writing. Their work emphasizes integration of cultural traditions and the joy of singing together, making their arrangements natural choices for schools seeking repertoire that honors both heritage and inclusivity. Both are active members of professional music education organizations including ACDA and ASCAP.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the playfulness of the piñata tradition while introducing genuine partner singing. The pairing of the familiar "Dale, Dale, Dale" with an original melody creates a natural entry point for singers learning to balance independent lines, and the choice of English or Spanish text lets you program with intention for your community.

What to expect

Bright and celebratory, with the warmth of a familiar folk tune grounding the entire piece. The pairing creates an almost call-and-response energy that feels playful rather than complex, and the piñata imagery brings genuine joy and movement to the room.

Who it's for

This is ideal for elementary and early middle school choirs encountering partner songs for the first time, or for any singers who need a low-pressure introduction to singing independent melodic lines. The bilingual text option also serves choirs and communities seeking to celebrate Mexican cultural traditions with authentic musical material.

How to get the most out of it

  • Layer the two melodies gradually during rehearsal: begin with unison on the traditional tune, then introduce the partner melody section by section so singers hear how the lines interlock.
  • Emphasize rhythmic independence by having one section clap their melody while the other sings theirs, then reverse roles, before attempting the full combination.
  • Record a quick vocal reference of both parts during rehearsal so singers can review at home; this accelerates confidence when learning simultaneous lines.
  • Shape the energy dynamically to reflect the festive mood: allow the opening to build, then pull back slightly when the harmonies enter to let both melodies land clearly.

How to use it

Program this during a winter concert as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that requires no instrumental accompaniment beyond the included SoundTrax. It also works wonderfully as a standalone celebration piece during holiday assemblies or cultural awareness weeks, where the dual-language option can be highlighted in program notes.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing independent melodies while another line moves simultaneously
  • Maintaining a steady line while listening to contrasting rhythmic material
  • Navigating bilingual diction (Spanish and English)
  • Recognizing and singing traditional folk melodies in new harmonic contexts

You May Also Like