On the Railroad: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

$22.95 USD

On the Railroad: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

A Partner Song with "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad"

New words by Mary Donnelly / arr. with new music by George L. O. Strid

Item: 00-A-00014913

$22.95

Digital Download

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

SKU: 00-A-00014913

More about this title

About the Composer: Mary Donnelly

Mary Donnelly grew up in Reno, Nevada, and initially pursued English and French at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her path to music education began unexpectedly when, as an undergraduate, she founded two children's choruses and discovered her true calling. She returned to school for music certification and earned a Master's Degree in Education from Lesley College, where she focused on integrating arts across the curriculum.

Donnelly spent thirty years teaching general music and choir in the Washoe County schools, where she met arranger George L. O. Strid in a sixth-grade classroom in 1985. What started as a collaboration on a single musical for Reading Week evolved into a prolific partnership spanning over two hundred songs and twenty-five full musicals. She remains active in ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP.

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Why we love this

Donnelly and Strid understand exactly what middle school and elementary singers need: material that's fun to perform without talking down to them. The partner song format creates natural opportunities for dividing your choir and building independence between sections, while the recorded accompaniment means you can rehearse confidently whether or not you have a pianist available.

What to expect

The railroad theme brings energy and forward motion, evoking both the historical romance of trains and the excitement of movement and journey. The partner song design creates a natural conversation between the two melodic lines, making the piece feel alive and dynamic rather than static.

Who it's for

Elementary and middle school choirs looking for secular repertoire that engages singers with a clear musical concept. The partner song structure makes it ideal for ensembles working on independent singing and part security.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the two melodic lines carefully during rehearsal by having each group sing alone first, then layering them gradually. This prevents one melody from drowning out the other during performance.
Use the recorded accompaniment in early rehearsals to establish the harmonic framework, then move to a cappella or piano-only versions as the singers internalize the part relationships.
Experiment with different voice assignments for the partner melodies. Switching soprano/alto or tenor/bass combinations between rehearsals can reveal which dividing line sits most comfortably for your ensemble.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a lighter, thematic piece in a program exploring American history, transportation, or folk traditions. Consider pairing it with other secular selections for an assembly performance or as a contrast to more serious choral works in a concert.