A Winter Carol: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Name: A Winter Carol: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-21709
Price: 2.25 USD
Availability: InStock

A Partner Song with "The Huron Carol"

Arr. Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid

Item: 00-21709

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If you are looking for a partner song to develop part singing in your younger choir this winter, then A Winter Carol is right on target. Well known writing team Mary Donnelly and George Strid have expertly constructed this learning and performance song using the traditional Canadian Huron Carol. It's a well-crafted combination of two melodies, each with limited, accessible ranges. Feature a young percussionist on the optional, easy-to-play drum part (included in the publication), or add a "world music" feel with the SoundTrax CD.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A Winter Carol: 2-Part Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081211039

SKU: 00-21709

More about this title

About the Arranger: Mary Donnelly

Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid form one of choral music education's most prolific writing partnerships. Donnelly holds degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno (B.A. in English and French) and Lesley College (M.A. in Education), where her coursework centered on integrating arts across the curriculum. She spent thirty years teaching general music and choir in the Washoe County schools in Reno before retiring. Both Donnelly and Strid have been members of ACDA, and their collaborative output spans over two hundred songs and twenty-five musicals since their first project together in 1985.

Their partnership began unexpectedly when they were assigned to team-teach a sixth-grade general music class and their principal asked them to compose a musical for Reading Week. That initial success sparked a decades-long collaboration focused on creating accessible, engaging music for young singers. Their work consistently balances educational value with genuine musical substance, making them trusted voices in elementary and middle school choral programming.

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Why we love this

Donnelly and Strid understand exactly what younger choirs need: two distinct but equally singable melodic lines that develop genuine part-singing independence without overwhelming students. The Huron Carol foundation gives this piece authentic cultural weight and a beautiful melodic foundation, while the arrangement's careful range placement makes it accessible for developing voices. The optional percussion part transforms this from a concert piece into a teaching moment, giving young percussionists a meaningful role while adding textural interest to the performance.

What to expect

Gentle and contemplative, with a carol-like warmth that feels both traditional and fresh. The two melodic lines weave together with enough independence that singers feel the satisfaction of real harmony without the harmonic complexity that can overwhelm younger ensembles.

Who it's for

Elementary and middle school choirs ready to move beyond unison singing but still developing confidence in part independence. This works beautifully for choirs with limited rehearsal time, since the two-part writing is straightforward enough to learn efficiently while remaining musically satisfying.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the two melody lines by rehearsing them separately first; because they move in similar tessitura, the upper part can easily obscure the lower part if not given attention during sectional work.
If using the optional drum part, bring that student to sectional rehearsals so the percussion becomes integrated with the vocal lines rather than added as an afterthought.
Let the Canadian heritage of the Huron Carol inform your interpretation; a warm, reverent tone will honor the traditional melody while maintaining the choral energy younger singers bring naturally.

How to use it

Program this during the winter concert season when you want a multicultural sacred selection that builds part-singing skills while sounding polished. It pairs well with other accessible two-part repertoire or can anchor a small concert focused on world carol traditions.

Skills your students will build

Independent part singing in a two-part texture
Reading and maintaining a melodic line while hearing a contrasting line simultaneously
Understanding and performing from a partner song structure
Ensemble balance and blend between two distinct vocal lines
Cultural awareness of the Huron Carol tradition