Christmas Lullaby: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Name: Christmas Lullaby: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-19301
Price: 2.25 USD
Availability: InStock

A Partner Song with "O Come, Little Children"

Music by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid

Item: 00-19301

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Mary Donnelly and George Strid combine a singable new melody with the traditional "O Come, Little Children" to create an effective Caribbean-style choral especially for 2-part groups. The two melodies partner beautifully while the piano plays a gently rocking calypso. Add rhythm instruments for an "island" feel or use the joyous SoundTrax CD. Excellent Christmas literature for young school (or church) groups.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Christmas Lullaby: 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: 038081179469

SKU: 00-19301

More about this title

About the Composer: Mary Donnelly

Mary Donnelly grew up in Reno, Nevada, and studied English and French at the University of Nevada before discovering her passion for music education during her college years. She organized children's choruses while still an undergraduate, then pursued formal training in music pedagogy, earning a Master's Degree in Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she focused on integrating the arts across curricula. Over three decades, she taught general music and choir in elementary and middle schools throughout the Washoe County School District.

In 1985, Donnelly and George Strid began collaborating on a musical for a sixth grade reading unit, launching a creative partnership that has produced over two hundred songs and twenty-five full musicals. Both are members of ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP. Donnelly is now retired and continues to live in Reno with her husband.

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Why we love this

The pairing of a new, singable melody with the familiar "O Come, Little Children" gives young singers an instant anchor while introducing them to partner song writing. The calypso rhythmic framework in the piano part creates an unexpected and joyful contrast to typical Christmas fare, making this genuinely fun to rehearse and perform rather than another seasonal obligation.

What to expect

Warm and unhurried, like a gentle island breeze on a winter night. The rocking calypso rhythm lends a tropical lightness to the Christmas story, while the two interlocking melodies create an intimate, almost lullaby-like intimacy that feels both modern and rooted in tradition.

Who it's for

Young school and church choirs working with 2-part voicing, including middle school groups, elementary choirs, or beginning high school ensembles. The accessible range, singable melody, and rhythmic simplicity make it ideal for singers who are still building confidence and music reading skills.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the two melodic lines equally in rehearsal so neither feels secondary; the beauty of the arrangement depends on both parts being heard clearly.
Introduce the calypso rhythmic feel through the piano part first, then have singers find where their melody sits within that groove.
If adding rhythm instruments, keep them light and conversational rather than driving hard; the 'gently rocking' character means restraint works better than intensity.
Consider using the SoundTrax CD for dress rehearsal and performance to hear how the recorded accompaniment anchors the ensemble's phrasing and tempo.

How to use it

Perfect for a December concert's opening number or closing encore, where its approachable charm and distinctive sound will set a memorable tone. This also works beautifully in worship settings where it bridges contemporary and traditional musical languages, or as a cultural bridge in programs exploring music from multiple traditions.