Children’s Songbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
How to Add Variety to Singing
“How to Add Variety to Singing,” Children’s Songbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 300
You may teach any of the songs in this book as they are printed, omitting any optional parts or combinations of parts. However, to add variety, you may:
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1. Use alternate words that can make the songs more appropriate for specific occasions. (See “Rain Is Falling All Around,” p. 241.)
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2. Teach songs with suggested actions, or have the children help you improvise actions where indicated. Young children who have not yet found their singing voices may participate through movement. (See “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” p. 275.)
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3. Assign small groups to sing different sections or verses.
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4. Use songs that have two parts to sing together or optional parts such as descants, ostinatos, and obbligatos. These additional elements challenge the children and allow them to experience harmony. (See “I Am a Child of God,” p. 2.)
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5. Arrange a medley of two or more songs that have similar messages or that tell one story. Interludes between songs could be created from the suggested introductions.
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6. For special occasions, have a child sing a solo, or ask a group of children to sing as a chorus.
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7. Have the children hum or sing several songs as prelude music.