Cantate! Jubilate!
Words and music by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid
Item: 00-PO-0007132
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Sung mostly in English, this celebratory opener is about joyfully singing together. A bright rhythmic feel and well-crafted voice parts make this concert or festival piece both intuitive and enjoyable for younger singers. The main theme is restated throughout with variations that build to an exciting, descant-topped end.
The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
- Assignment, recording, and assessment tools within MakeMusic Cloud
- Part-predominant and accompaniment tracks
- Printable sheet music (with a standard MakeMusic Cloud subscription)
- Correlated rehearsal guides and performance notes
- Rights to perform in a live or virtual setting
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Additional Details
Series:
PerformancePlus+
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007132
More about this title
About the Composer: Mary Donnelly
Mary Donnelly grew up in Reno, Nevada, and initially studied English and French at the University of Nevada, Reno. During her undergraduate years, she co-founded two children's choruses, an experience that redirected her path toward music education. She pursued a Master's Degree in Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a focus on arts integration across the curriculum.
Donnelly spent thirty years teaching general music and choir in the Washoe County School District, retiring as an active educator while remaining deeply connected to music creation. In 1985, she began a prolific songwriting partnership with George L. O. Strid when their principal asked them to write a musical for Reading Week. That initial collaboration launched a career spanning over two hundred original songs and twenty-five musicals. She holds membership in ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP, and continues to live in Reno with her husband Rich.
Why we love this
Donnelly and Strid have built careers writing for young singers, and this shows in every measure. The rhythmic energy keeps younger choirs engaged while the voice leading remains honest and accessible, never condescending. The variations on the main theme give the piece structural sophistication without demanding advanced musicianship, making it both satisfying to teach and genuinely fun to perform.
What to expect
Bright and propulsive, with a rhythmic drive that invites movement and immediate buy-in from singers. The main theme feels both memorable and fresh as it cycles through variations, building genuine excitement toward the descant-driven finale that feels earned rather than sudden.
Who it's for
This piece sits perfectly for middle school and upper elementary choirs seeking a confident concert opener. The accessible 2-part writing and straightforward English text make it ideal for singers building confidence in part singing and ensemble blend.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the bright rhythmic feel early in rehearsal by speaking the text in rhythm before adding melody. This grounds singers in the pulse and ensures the celebratory character comes through in every phrase.
- Shape the dynamic arc through each statement of the main theme so that the variations feel like genuine development, not repetition. Small crescendos leading into each new section help singers stay engaged across the piece.
- Balance the descant in the final section so it adds sparkle without overshadowing the lower voices. Rehearse the parts separately first, then blend with careful attention to blend and intonation.
- Use the recorded accompaniment during early rehearsals to reinforce tempo and harmonic grounding, then gradually encourage singers to internalize the pulse and chord changes.
How to use it
Program this as a festival or concert opener to set an energetic, celebratory tone from the opening moments. Its joyful message and approachable difficulty make it ideal for welcoming audiences and establishing the choir's musicianship before moving into more substantial repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining rhythmic precision through variations and dynamic shifts
- Balancing two independent vocal lines with clear blend and intonation
- Interpreting text expression and musical character in an English-language choral context
- Following conductor shape and phrasing across repeated musical ideas