Between the Lines: “The Happiest Time of Year” by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid
November 23, 2022|
Alfred Music Official
The Happiest Time of Year
The Happiest Time of Year is a bright holiday fanfare designed especially for developing choirs. Not exclusively a partner song, but you'll love hearing how the two independent lines fit together. To enhance the fun, George and Mary sprinkle familiar carol fragments throughout. Our festive SoundTrax features a glockenspiel on the optional C-instrument part. It's an opener, it's a closer, it's a theme for the entire concert!
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 .
What inspired you to compose The Happiest Time of Year?
In this song, we wanted to elicit the exhilaration and anticipation that one feels during the holiday season. The quick 6/8 tempo propels the song forward toward the “happiest time of year.”
What teaching suggestions do you have to share for The Happiest Time of Year ?
Because the song moves quickly, have students work to enunciate clearly so the words don’t get lost. Draw attention to repeats and dynamic changes. Keep voice parts balanced in the third repeat of the song.
What message do you have for singers learning this piece?
Notice the use of phrases of traditional carols, “Here We Come A-Caroling” and “Good People, Now Rejoice,” as introductions to each verse of the song. Also, notice that the third repeat of the song works as a partner song.