I was very delighted when Ashleigh Primary School invited me to sing with the children during the school day to promote Wymondham Young Voices. Schools are finding it increasingly difficult to find enough specialists to cater for the Creative Arts and children’s choirs often fall short. I loved singing at school when I was a pupil and my singing experience as a member of several children’s choirs has shaped who I am today.
I was presented to a hall filled with children between the ages of six and ten, all sitting quietly and expectantly. This is always an exciting moment for me as I pre-empt how the children will react to my music. I like to start off with a really engaging warming-up exercise which gets the children bubbling with excitement. Silly songs usually go down well and remove some of the inhibitions children may feel when singing with their peers.
In addition to my portable piano, I took my guitar along, as I like to walk around the hall and engage with the children as they sing. I’m by no means an expert on the guitar but it is possible to play a large number of songs using just a few chords. Showing myself to be a musical learner often sparks an interest in the children to start learning an instrument themselves and they love to see and hear different instruments: I have recently acquired an accordion which I am hoping to bring to the children’s choir once I have mastered a couple of tunes.
Count your blessings
Repetitive lyrics and a simple, catchy tune can be mastered extremely quickly. I chose the song “Count your blessings” by Mark and Helen Johnson, not just because it has a great tune and message but because the children absolutely love singing the words “down in the dumps”. It is possible to add claps too, which makes it even more fun. I always sing to the children so they can hear the tune clearly and then get them to repeat – checking that they are secure with the tune and lyrics.
The children of Ashleigh Primary School were very enthusiastic and mastered the tune relatively quickly. Once I felt the children were able to sing the song without me leading them, I divided the hall into two children’s choirs. It was time to UP the difficulty!
They smashed it!
Rounds are great for improving children’s musicality and I use them very often in my Children’s choir. It is a real challenge to sing and keep in time whilst others around you are singing a different tune. It demands focus, tenacity and confidence. For a first attempt it is best to keep to a simple tune. Beating time to the music can help. Perhaps you are familiar with the round songs “London’s burning” or “ Brother Jacob” ( Frere Jaque) ? Unfortunately, I often meet children who have never sung these traditional tunes and have never sung a round song before.
Ashleigh Primary School smashed it. Within just 10 mins the children were singing a 2- part round and were showing plenty of potential to sound like a wonderful children’s choir!
I was met by so much enthusiasm and curiosity that I am excited to see how Wymondham Young Voices grows within Ashleigh School.
If you have a young person who would be interested in joining Wymondham Young Voices then please contact Julia using the registration form below.
Registration form
