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Why songs? Remember the great times singing those songs in school or
that song that rumbled the rafters at church? The feeling after these songs really lifted
the spirits. Singing is fun! Songs can create enthusiasm or set a mood.
To be a successful song leader, all that is required are a few tips
about how to lead songs. Voice? Don’t worry about it! A voice like that of a crooner
or an operatic star is not necessary. Never apologize. It’s easy and it’s fun to
lead songs. Just follow these hints to be a song leader!
A song leader must break the ice, particularly with a new group. Do
things that will break down the reserve and get everyone into the group spirit. At the
beginning of the first song period, announce that the group will do things together. Ask a
Scout to stand in front of the group and throw his neckerchief into the air and then catch
it. Have him do this several times. Tell the group that they can yell as long as the
neckerchief is in the air, but must stop instantly when the neckerchief is caught. Suggest
such words as "yip-pee, wahoo, Eagle, Life, Tenderfoot" etc. Everyone should
yell something.
TIPS
| Begin with a song that everyone knows. Announce the name and the tune. |
| Sing the first few bars, or sing the entire song. This will give the
pitch and the proper tempo. If there is a piano and a pianist or a recording of the song,
use them to teach the song. |
| Then start the song. How? Tell the group to begin singing after the first
few words, then signal, such as a simple down motion with the hands is given. |
| What about hand motions? Start with simple up and down motions. Then use
these motions to keep time with the rhythm and the syllables of the words as they are
sung. The movement of the hands should indicate those notes that are to be prolonged or
quickened. In the same way, raise or lower the hands to regulate the volume. Get into the
proper swing and rhythm. Put some personality and pep into it. Put the entire body into
song leading. |
| Insist on quality, not volume. Expect everyone to sing. |
| Use songs that fit the occasion. Start with lively songs and end the
program with inspirational ones. |
| Songs should be taught introduced regularly, using songbooks only until
the words are learned. Everybody should be ready for some real singing around the
campfire. |
| If the first song doesn’t measure up to expectations,
"kid" the group along. Don’t reprimand! For instance, try some competition.
Put one patrol up against another...or Scouts against leaders.. Use only one short
song to get everyone into the proper spirit. |
| In small groups, someone can begin a song and everyone join in naturally
without formal leadership. |
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