[HANASHIR:3282] Re: It doesn't always work

[Carol Leon <cbleon...>]

Jess, about those obstinate 11 year olds who just wouldn't sing...

Kids that age can be a challenge, as you've discovered.  Children who are in 
my youth choir love to sing and do so willingly; but many others that age 
just flat out won't do it.  I've been successfully nurturing a religious 
school group of kids for 2 years now through ages 9 and 10 and, for the most 
part, they've been quite responsive, but I do wonder how they'll react come 
September...

Of course, having the enthusiastic participation of the classroom teacher 
helps to some degree.  When working with the older groups to teach a song 
they need to learn, I sometimes promise (and follow through with) an 
activity they really like following the less fun part of the class.  I find 
they're pretty rational and will go along with me if I explain that we've 
got to get through this harder stuff first.  Writing ridiculous lyrics, 
playing "find the Afikomen" by singing louder as the searcher gets closer, 
competitive "sing-downs" all work.  And sometimes it just takes a few 
willing singers to help the reluctant ones feel comfortable singing, even 
though the especially obstinate ones probably won't come around.  Basically, 
I try to keep it fun and let them be funny and that seems to work.  However, 
that's hard to do in just 15 minutes.

At my temple, we have each grade, from PreK/Kindergarten through 4th (about 
age 10) perform music at one Family Shabbat service during the year, but 
beyond that the older children who sing in front of the congregation are 
only those who choose to be in Youth Choir because, as you've discovered, 
it's not likely that every member of a class of 11-year olds will be an 
enthusiastic singer.

'Just wanted to let you know you're not alone.  Don't give up.  Maybe this 
group won't ever come around.  But I'm optimistic you'll discover something 
that reaches them without your feeling like you had to do handstands to win 
them over.

-- Carol Boyd Leon
   Burke, VA


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