On Yonder Hill: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words by Edna St. Vincent Millay, music and additional words by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid
Item: 00-PO-0003348
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
"I will be the gladdest thing under the sun!" This tuneful piece is appropriate for both 2-part choirs and developing women's groups, crafted with a text and music of equal depth and accessibility. A Picardy third at the end elevates the final moment.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0003348
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 founded two children's choruses, an experience that redirected her toward music education. She earned a Master's Degree in Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she focused on integrating the arts across the curriculum.
Donnelly taught general music and choir in elementary and middle schools throughout the Washoe County School District for three decades before retiring. In 1985, she began collaborating with George Strid on a musical for Reading Week, launching a prolific partnership that has produced over two hundred songs and twenty-five musicals. She is a member of ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP.
Why we love this
Donnelly and Strid have written a piece that balances genuine musical substance with real accessibility. The Picardy third ending provides a sophisticated harmonic moment that feels earned rather than imposed, rewarding both singers and listeners with an unexpected lift at the finish.
What to expect
Tuneful and unpretentious, with a warmth that comes from genuinely singable lines. The closing Picardy third transforms the final moment into something more luminous and reflective, suggesting depth beneath the piece's straightforward surface.
Who it's for
This octavo works equally well in developing women's choirs and 2-part ensembles of mixed ages and experience levels. The accessible vocal writing and substantive text make it appropriate for middle school through adult amateur choirs seeking repertoire with both musical integrity and approachability.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening phrase to establish the optimistic, sunlit character suggested by the text before the choir settles into the main material.
- Prepare the Picardy third carefully in sectionals so singers understand the harmonic shift and can sing it with confidence and clarity.
- Let the text "I will be the gladdest thing under the sun" guide your dynamic and interpretive choices throughout; the music should feel genuinely joyful rather than merely pleasant.
How to use it
Program this as a standalone secular selection that bridges lighter and more substantial choral work, or pair it with other accessible contemporary pieces for a program centered on joy and affirmation. Its modest length and transparent scoring make it an ideal choice for a spring concert or community performance where you want music that connects immediately with both singers and audience.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in 2-part voicing with textural independence
- Recognizing and performing chromatic alterations (Picardy third)
- Interpreting text musically and connecting emotional content to interpretive choices
- Maintaining tuning and blend in close harmony