On This Joyous Christmas Morning: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
On This Joyous Christmas Morning Sheet Music Preview

On This Joyous Christmas Morning: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

By Mary Donnelly / By George L.O. Strid

Item: 35-DS00152037
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 8
SKU: 35-DS00152037

More about this title

About the Composer: Mary Donnelly

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 undergraduate years. While still a student, she organized children's choruses and found the work so fulfilling that she pursued formal music training, earning a Master's Degree in Education from Lesley College with a focus on arts integration. She spent thirty years teaching general music and choir in the Washoe County schools, retiring as an active member of ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP.

In 1985, Donnelly began a creative partnership with George L.O. Strid when their principal challenged them to write a musical for Reading Week. That first collaboration launched a prolific career spanning over two hundred songs and twenty-five musicals. The pair's gift lies in creating accessible, engaging works that bring joy to classroom and concert settings alike.

Why we love this

Donnelly and Strid have crafted a carol that captures genuine Christmas warmth without resorting to heavy four-part harmony or complex ranges. The three-part mixed voicing sits comfortably across a broad range of singers, making it realistic for mid-year holiday programs when rehearsal time is limited. The text celebrates the season's joy in straightforward language that resonates with audiences of all ages.

What to expect

The piece radiates warmth and celebration without sentimentality. Donnelly and Strid's straightforward text paired with supportive harmony creates an atmosphere of genuine holiday joy, the kind that feels earned rather than manufactured.

Who it's for

This octavo works well for middle school and high school choirs that include developing singers alongside more experienced ensemble members. Elementary and church choirs looking for straightforward holiday material with approachable voice parts will also find this accessible and effective.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the parts clearly in early rehearsals by having singers mark their own voice part boundaries in the score; this prevents the melody from getting buried beneath support lines.
  • Establish the piece's rhythmic foundation by locking in the accompaniment's pulse during the first few run-throughs, then gradually layer the vocal lines.
  • Shape dynamic contours phrase by phrase rather than keeping the entire piece at a single level; small swells on text like 'joyous' keep the carol fresh across multiple performances.

How to use it

Slot this carol into December concerts as a main-stage offering rather than a filler piece; its bright character deserves more than a single verse. It pairs naturally with a mix of traditional carols and contemporary holiday songs, giving audiences a familiar yet fresh addition to their season.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing three-part texture with clear part independence
  • Singing within an appropriate range while maintaining tone quality
  • Approaching seasonal repertoire with clarity and expression
  • Ensemble blend across mixed voice parts

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