Absolutely, subgirl. I loved listening to the kids perform
their music and spoken parts for their musicals. The older
kids disliked it that I kept on them to be quiet and to stay
attentive during the rehearsal, but it's necessary. I told
them that I know how boring it can be to sit quietly while
other kids perform, because I sat through chorus and drama
rehearsals in high school, but it's called "showing respect."
I advised the kids to stand up tall, shoulders back, chin
tucked, chest relaxed, to breathe from the diaphragm, focus
the sound in between the eyes, think low when singing high and
high when singing low, and to not raise the chin when reaching
for a high note (but drop the jaw instead). I encouraged them
to smile, to show some expression (other than boredom) while
singing. I know that some kids took my advice to heart while
others just felt irritated that they couldn't just goof off.
I told the kids that the audience *will* notice if they don't
know the words and if they are slouching while the other kids
are standing up straight - that they need to rehearse the
lyrics until they have them well memorized - and that they
shouldn't feel afraid to open their mouths wide to sing.
However, some kids opt to take elementary school chorus just
to get out of having to take band or something else they don't
want to take. Those kids have little interest in tips on how
to sing better. They just want to slide by and get out with a
passing grade. Still, I saw some kids who seemed to truly
care, so I'm hoping I made a difference. And, like I said,
some of the music was lovely, and a few of the soloists had
very nice voices. I was glad to note that the teacher plans
to use microphones for them, though, because some sang more
softly than others did.
The first-grade groups were so different! I loved watching
them sing and make the motions. The biggest problem with them
wasn't with encouraging them to sing and show enthusiasm (not
at all!), but just to make sure they didn't wander around the
room or play with buddies. They were so exhuberant about
performing! It was a delight to see! Teens are certainly
different - so concerned at that age about looking "cool" to
their friends and not doing anything they feel might detract
from that image. That's why being a teen is so difficult.
Image feels like everything at that age. They're more aware
of themselves and less comfortable about expressing
themselves. Usually - obviously that doesn't describe all
teens.
I loved listening to the singing - yes. Since I'm a singer, I
love hearing other children's voices. I was impressed at one
(high-functioning) autistic boy's lovely voice in class
yesterday. The teacher later told me that he's in a singing
group.
Singing is so important for kids. I wish all parents
understood how important programs like singing, art, etc., are
for kids. They help them to become more comfortable in their
bodies, more comfortable in front of people, etc.
And laughter? I remember the first time my kids laughed
together. It was music to my ears. I find it very difficult
to have a bad day in music, because just getting to sing - and
hear the kids sing - starts everything off on a good note.
-Jean
On 5/10/08, subgirl wrote:
> The sound of children singing is quite beautiful, isn't it?
I've always thought that
> the MOST beautiful sound in the world is a baby/toddler
giggling.
> I'm glad you had a good day, Jean!
>
> On 5/09/08, Jean wrote:
>> I was one of two music teachers in the school today. The
>> one for whom I was subbing is out on maternity leave.
>> First, I helped the regular music teacher with chorus.
>> They were rehearsing for a presentation. My job was to
>> make sure they sang and to make sure they were quiet when
>> they were supposed to be quiet. They did alright,
>> although some kids still need to learn the music. Some of
>> the soloists had nice voices, though, and one particular
>> song that everybody sang sounded (I thought) very good.
>>
>> My third-grade class went on a field trip today, so I had
>> a huge block of time around lunch time with absolutely
>> nothing to do. Then I helped the other teacher with the
>> first-graders. They were rehearsing another musical. My
>> job - again - was to just make sure they behaved well. I
>> loved listening to them sing, though. Unlike the older
>> kids, they were full of energy and excitement about the
>> music - really threw themselves into their performance
>> (while we had to keep reminding the older kids to sing
>> out, stand up straight, and to smile).
>>
>> I had two third-grade classes today. I read a book about
>> the Star Spangled Banner and then we sang the song. I'm
>> waaaay out of practice and that song is a real challenge
>> for *anybody*. Nonetheless, the kids did great, and one
>> girl on the way out told me that I have a pretty voice.
>> :-))
>>
>> Now the weekend is here at last and I am happy, happy,
>> happy bout it! I hope everybody has a great weekend.
>> -Jean
>
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