Morning Song: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Name: Morning Song: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-45617
Price: 1.90 USD
Availability: InStock

Words by Eugene Field, music by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid

Item: 00-45617

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Featuring a vivid poetic text, a light and airy lilt, and a supportive piano accompaniment, this lyrical beauty celebrates the newness of every day. Each voice part shares moments of melody and brief flowing counterlines, making this a top choice for developing treble choirs. Charming!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Morning Song: 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 Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081513560

SKU: 00-45617

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 discovered her passion for choral music by helping establish two children's choruses. She pursued formal music education training, earning a Master's Degree in Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she focused on integrating arts across the curriculum.

Donnelly spent three decades teaching general music and choir in the Washoe County School District, retiring from full-time classroom work. In 1985, she met composer George L. O. Strid while team-teaching a sixth grade music class; their principal's request to write a musical for Reading Week sparked a prolific partnership that has produced over two hundred songs and twenty-five musicals. She remains active in ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP.

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Why we love this

Donnelly and Strid craft music that actually serves young singers. The shared melody and brief counterlines keep both parts engaged without overwhelming developing musicians, and the piano accompaniment provides genuine harmonic support rather than doubling voices. This piece works equally well as a concert opener or festival selection because the lyrical writing and poetic text create an impression of maturity beyond the technical demands.

What to expect

Morning Song captures that quiet moment of beginning, with airy textures that seem to unfold naturally. The lilt gives the piece buoyancy and freshness, while the flowing counterlines create subtle harmonic richness that listeners will feel more than notice. There's genuine poetry here alongside genuine singability.

Who it's for

This piece is ideal for elementary and middle school treble choirs, particularly ensembles in their first or second year of part-singing experience. The gentle technical demands and inviting melodic writing make it accessible without sacrificing musicality, and the eight-page length fits comfortably into a rehearsal schedule while allowing time for meaningful preparation.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the texture so the piano's supporting role doesn't overshadow the voices; the accompaniment should breathe with the singers rather than lead them.
Explore the emotional weight of the poetic text during early rehearsals before focusing on part independence; the words will naturally shape phrasing and tone quality.
Mark the moments when each voice part carries the primary melody line so singers understand when they're showcasing their line versus providing harmonic support.

How to use it

This octavo works beautifully as a concert opening number, especially in spring programs celebrating renewal or new beginnings. Its reflective character also makes it suitable for festival performances where a shorter, accessible piece can showcase solid musicianship alongside more demanding repertoire.