Christmastime Again: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid
Item: 00-PO-0007046
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
"Everybody knows it's time for celebration. Everywhere you go, it's Christmastime again. All the children sing joyful songs in jubilation. Hear their voices ring, it's Christmastime again." Here's a delicate holiday ballad for 2-part choirs, brimming with cheerful imagery. Easy to learn and enjoyable to sing, this one is designed to come together quickly at the busiest time of year.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007046
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, Reno. While still an undergraduate, she organized children's choruses and discovered her passion for music education, leading her to earn a Master's Degree in Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a focus on arts integration in the classroom.
Donnelly taught general music and choir in elementary and middle school for thirty years in the Washoe County School District. In 1985, she began a prolific songwriting partnership with George L.O. Strid after they were asked to compose a musical for a sixth-grade Reading Week project. Together they have created over two hundred songs and twenty-five musicals. She holds memberships in ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP.
Why we love this
Donnelly and Strid understand the constraints of a busy December schedule. This piece arrives fully formed, requiring minimal rehearsal time while delivering genuine musicality and festive warmth. The lyrics paint vivid holiday imagery that singers genuinely enjoy performing, making it an ideal choice for programs where learning curve matters as much as final polish.
What to expect
A gentle holiday celebration that captures the joy and anticipation of the season without becoming saccharine. Donnelly and Strid's text evokes children singing together, creating an intimate, nostalgic warmth that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Who it's for
Middle school and high school choirs seeking accessible but musically satisfying holiday repertoire. This piece works equally well for community choirs and church programs where quick-learning materials are essential during the hectic winter season.
How to get the most out of it
- Maintain a light, conversational tone in the verse sections to let the cheerful lyrics carry their own color without oversinging.
- Balance the two voice parts so neither dominates; this is a dialogue, not a solo with accompaniment.
- Shape phrases around the natural rhythm of the text rather than forcing squared-off phrasing.
- If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse with it early so singers lock the tempo before final polish begins.
How to use it
Position this as a standalone moment in a winter concert, or pair it with more elaborate seasonal works to provide contrast and pacing relief. Its brevity and straightforward charm also make it an excellent opener for a holiday assembly or informal performance context.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in two independent parts with clear voice independence
- Interpreting rhythmic text-painting and phrasing tied to lyrics
- Balancing part weights in a duet texture
- Developing ensemble cohesion under time constraints