Between the Lines with Mary Donnelly: Kris Kringle's Kazoos

Kris Kringle's Kazoos

Can you guess what they're making at Santa's workshop this year? Pass out the kazoos for this nifty novelty number that includes snippets of "Deck the Hall," "Up on the Housetop," and "Joy to the World!" Kids will love singing the silly story and showing off their kazoo chops in this "magical musical masterpiece."

Co-arranger Mary Donnelly earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nevada. While still a college student, she helped organize two children's choruses and enjoyed it so much that she decided to return to school and become certified to teach music. She later received a Master's in Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mary is now retired, having taught general music and choir in elementary and middle school for thirty years.

What inspired you to write this piece?

We wanted to write a fun, new Christmas song. We have written several songs about Santa Claus, but we have never written one about Kris Kringle. Kris Kringle and kazoo both start with the letter “k,” and we liked the alliteration. And what could be more fun than playing kazoos!

How will this piece encourage musical growth?

This song is highly suitable for young choirs. The voicing is often in unison, with just a few places in two parts. Accomplishing this simple harmony will prepare young students to continue with more complicated pieces.

Everybody gets to play the familiar carols on kazoos. This might spark an interest in learning to play a band instrument. Adding the glockenspiel part for more advanced students will keep them engaged.

What teaching or performance suggestions do you have?

• Review the meanings of the dynamic markings (p, mp, f, mf, cresc., decresc.) and follow these markings in the score.
• Review staccato markings. Challenge students to find them in the score (mm. 52, 54, 68, 72, 76, 79, 80, and 102).
• Help students discover that dynamics and accents give life and interest to the piece.
• Remember that the song is cheerful and have fun with it.
• Attach yarn, string, or a lanyard to the kazoos so students can wear them around their necks and have them ready to play at appropriate times.

Mary Donnelly

Mary Donnelly was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nevada, Reno, double majoring 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 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 worked together ever since and have written over 200 songs and 25 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 obtained 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 .