Between the Lines: Christmastime Again by Mary Donnelly & George L. O. Strid

Christmastime Again

"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.

What inspired you to write this piece?

We love the Christmas season with caroling and gatherings and friendship shared. Every year we open our hearts (and our pocketbooks) to celebrate this special holiday. We want to remind young singers and their audiences that this attitude of generosity and kindness should not be practiced during just one season but during the entire year.

How will this piece encourage musical growth?

Students will grow in their knowledge of key signatures and modulation. Review/teach the concept of key signatures. Direct students’ attention to the bridge (mm. 30–38) of this song, where the key changes from F major to B-flat major and then returns to F major. Discuss the effect on the mood of the song produced by the modulation. Encourage students to become aware of modulation in the music they listen to, e.g., changing from a major key to a minor key.

What performance suggestions do you have?

This song is partly a joyful carol and partly a poignant message—a message which is made more emphatic by the adherence to the dynamics. Review the meanings of the dynamic markings ( p , mp , f , mf , ff , cresc ., decresc .) Allow students to sing the entire song softly ( p or pp ). Share reactions. Repeat the exercise singing forte throughout. Share reactions. Then sing the song with the dynamics as marked in the score. Students will recognize the impact of singing the song as written.

The addition of the glockenspiel part will enhance the holiday flavor of the piece.

View the Score & Sound

Mary Donnelly

Mary Donnelly was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a double major in English and French. While still a college student, she helped organize two children's choruses and enjoyed it so much that she decided to go back to school and become certified in teaching music. Mary is currently retired, having taught general music and choir in elementary and middle school for thirty years in the Washoe County School District (Reno, Nevada). She is a member of ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP.

In 1985, Mary met George Strid while team-teaching a sixth-grade general music class. They have been working together ever since and have written over two hundred songs and twenty-five musicals.

Learn more about Mary and see a full list of her Alfred Music publications here .

George L. O. Strid

George L. O. Strid was born and raised in Oregon. He graduated from Oregon College of Education and then went on to obtain master’s degrees in composition and music education from Western Oregon State College. George is currently retired after teaching vocal music at the middle school level for 38 years. He is a member of ASCAP, ACDA, NEA, and MENC. George has been writing songs and musicals for over 30 years with his writing partner, Mary Donnelly.

Learn more about George and see a full list of his Alfred Music publications here .