I am the junior primary chorister. It is indeed, the most beloved calling in the church. I get to teach adorable (and mostly well behaved) children fun and beautiful songs about the world and the Savior and the plan of happiness and family and love. It is glorious. Don't tell anyone though because for some reason, people think it is a hard calling and they give me all kinds of positive feedback and kudos for taking it on. I like to keep them in the dark about how fabulous I really have it.
Last Sunday I allowed the children to "perform" the new song we've been learning (As a Child of God you can listen to it here). I had cards that said things like "ate cereal for breakfast" or "enjoys math" or "wearing green" and if you fit the category, you got to go to the front of the room with everyone else in the category and sing the song for the audience of other kids and teachers. I got to stand in the back of the room and kind of direct these grand performances. It is a tricky way to get the kids singing the same song over and over and over until the music, words, and (especially) principles are imprinted on their brains and hearts.
It was going quite well except that the performers were a little tentative. I tried telling them they needed to sing loud enough to get the sound all the way back to where I was standing. I tried cupping my hand around my ears in that universal sign that means "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" Finally I decided a demonstration was in order. Keep in mind that the teachers of these cute kids all had their unsuspecting backs to me and were likely deep in thought about their upcoming lessons or what was for lunch or what to do about their unruly teenager. Now, on to the demo. I tentatively and quietly sang part of the song and asked the "performers" if that was sufficiently projected. They giggled and said, "no." Then, forgetting that I have neither Charlotte's operatic voice nor her pizzazz, I proceeded to sing a line in my most sustained, booming, operatic voice. I think we about lost a few of those unsuspecting teachers as they jumped out of their seats.
Who knows, I may be telling the pianist to "hit it" next week.
4 comments:
I would have DIED to see those teachers! Awesome!
I have the same calling for the third time! Love it. I've decided that I have two choices, ignore that there are adults in the room and only look into the faces of tiny people OR do a terrible job. However, every once in a while I'm snapped back into reality because this ONE teacher pipes up with "was that rest an eighth or a sixteenth?" or "I think the children are saying things instead of thing." I swear I'm getting a mini childrens song book for her for ground hogs day (it's coming up, right?) and including a note that says "look up your own stinkin' rests...and don't tell me about it". Anyway, I'd love to hear your ideas that work for jr. primary. Senior is WAY easier.
Oh my goodness, THAT would drive me crazy. Thank HEAVEN we don't have one of those!
Even with my limited musical background, I really did enjoy being the chorister. I bet you make it so much fun
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