The Singing Scoutmaster: Tips For Leading Songs

Tips For Leading Songs

• Songs can create enthusiasm or set a quiet and serious mood.
• Relax, have fun and enjoy yourself. Don't forget to smile!
• Have available a variety of songs suitable to the age group and know them well.
• A campfire should be fun for all, not a chance for a few to show off!
• Musical accompaniment is nice but not necessary.
• Take a minute to find the right pitch for a song before starting. If you find the pitch is wrong, don't be afraid to change it.
• Elaborate arm movements are not necessary, but body language and simple motions stir up enthusiasm and keep the group together.
• For a campfire or other events, plan a sequence of songs in advance so there are no gaps in the program.
• Match the songs to the program, lively songs to keep energy high, action songs to help get the wiggles out of the audience, quieter songs as the program comes to a close.
• Don't ask them what they want to sing; sometimes, it's better to just tell them what to sing as the songs they choose may not be appropriate.
• Don't over do a good thing; know when to stop.
• Pick a song or two that become "your song."
  • Good staff members become known for "their song."
  • Most importantly, let other staff have "their song," to spread the enthusiasm.
• The more they sing the more they will enjoy it. Sing every chance you get!
• Remember, if your spirit to teach is low, then so is their spirit to learn.
• Keep your sense of humor. You don't have to have a concert-quality voice to enjoy singing. Even a cracked note can add to the fun if you don't take it personally.
• Enthusiasm. Remember, "Enthusiasm can't be taught, it has to be caught!" Get into it!
• If you are having trouble getting kids to sing, consider making it a competition by splitting up the group and pitting one group against the other for "most enthusiastic"
  • I like making this side "group 1" and this side "group (pause) B"

Tips For Teaching New Songs

• To teach a song, sing a line and have the group sing it back to you. Sometimes the tune may take some practice.
• Remember to include songs that everyone can sing:
• familiar songs
• echo songs (Repeat After Me)
• songs with easy choruses
• songs to familiar tunes
• Repeat-After-Me-style songs are great to teach because they have shorter verses, taught one line at a time.
• Write the words in large print on sheets that are held down front (some use window shade material, vinyl or laminated poster board so words are waterproof and can be used again).

Tips For Teaching Rounds

Rounds provide a good introduction to singing in parts. Because they are "team singing" they help the unsure singer learn her part. It is advisable to teach a round first as a regular song and only after the group is familiar with the song to try it in rounds.

In presenting rounds:

• First have the entire group sing through the entire song together until you feel that they know it.
• Divide the group into the number of parts needed.
• Try to put a strong singer or song leader with each of the parts.
• Be sure that the group knows how many times through to sing the round: usually this is as many times as there are parts. Sometimes, the song/round is sung until some task is completed.
• Cue each part as indicated in the round.
• For a different "finish" you can have each group hold their part when the group reaches the end of the round. In this way, the round will end with a pleasing chord conclusion.