This time of year brings new choristers and pianists (after the
Primary Program and before the new year).
So, “HELLO” to all new-comers!
So, “HELLO” to all new-comers!
We thought it might be helpful to add some tips for
CHORISTERS to help their PIANISTS prepare/be ready to serve together. The pianist is a BIG part of Primary Singing
Time!!!! The way they play and are able
to have the songs prepared makes a difference.
We want to be able to be a good team so the children can feel the Spirit
through the songs and have joy through singing.
Two of us here at iheartprimarymusic are piano players and
we compiled a list of tips that choristers can do to help the flow and
preparation for music time with the pianist.
So here are some tips to share on how to help your
pianist for Singing Time:
1-Give a list of songs that will be sung to the pianist in
advance.
One week is great.
One day is not.
Right before singing time?
Bad. Bad. BAD. This can be highly stressful especially for
new pianists.
We suggest planning your next week’s Singing Time Sunday
night after church and texting/emailing/writing down the songs and page numbers
to be given the pianist.
2-If the pianist is NEW to the calling or new to playing in
general:
-Avoid playing fast tempos.
It’s fun to SING fast tempos with songs like Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
– but it’s not fun to PLAY if you’re not ready to go faster! Just be considerate or sing acapella for
those circumstances.
-Let your pianist know that it's ok to just playing the right
(top) hand, melody or simplified version of the song.
-One of the Singing Times we like to do is to have the kids
pick their favorite song to sing from the Children’s Song Book. But in doing this, there is no way to get the
list of songs in advance to your pianist.
So avoid this Singing Time activity until they are ready for on-the-spot
playing. (If your pianist is not new to
playing, giving them a heads up for this kind of Singing Time is appreciated).
3-Be on the same page as to if the pianist will play an
intro to the song before singing or not.
I prefer to have an intro so I can get my song visual ready and get the
kids ready to focus on singing.
4- Make sure to stand where you, as the chorister, can be
seen. This is so that they can see when
you are ready to start leading the song.
Some like the piano at the back of the room, some like it on the side.
5-Talk with your pianist!
Discuss what’s working and maybe what could work better as your
duo. See if they have any opinions for
the music. Maybe your pianist has an
idea for an accompaniment or song from the Friend that they would like to
play. Just build a relationship with
them instead of just sending a weekly song list!
6-Print out The Friend songs for your Pianist that you sing
on occasion (the Primary songs that are not in the Songbook). You could put these in a small 3-ring binder.
7-Something I like to do with my Primary kids is to have
them THANK our pianist at the end of Singing Time. A big “THANK YOU Brother/Sister _______” goes
a long way in making them feel appreciated!
EVERYONE likes to feel appreciated J
Have any more suggestions on how to help your Primary Pianist? Leave us a comment!
-iheartprimarymusic
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