instant choir
The instant choir program is offered to groups of kids ages 6 and up. One or more facilitators lead kids in various vocal improvisation methods. Movement is often added to accompany the singing. This is not a performance-oriented program, but rather a forum for kids to find their own voice in a playful context.
"It is evident to me that Glenn (Mr.
Smith) loves music and enjoys sharing his unique methods, involving movement
and student made rhythm for creating "instant choirs". His enthusiasm
for music transfers to his students and much is learned/shared in the process."
Greg Brown, music teacher, Live Oak Elementary School District, Santa Cruz,
CA
I enjoyed having Glenn work with my fifth graders.
His instant choir program has enriched my classroom. It is easy and fun to
implement his ideas. Glenn has great rapport with the kids and a gift for
inspiring them to explore and create spontaneously. Thank you, Glenn!
-Krista Williams, teacher, Chartwell School, Seaside, CA
the kids say:
"You rock! I really enjoyed your visit. I really liked making the song
up. I hope you can come back soon."
"I liked making the song and had a lot of fun jumping up and down!"
"I had fun making music with our feet and hands!"
"Thank you for coming to our school. We had fun singing and writing songs.
You are an awesome musician."
INSTANT CHOIR PROGRAM:
The program usually runs ½ hour, though a longer or shorter session
is possible. I offer the first program for free, and am very willing to work
with schools regardless of financial constraints.
The methods I use include the following:
1) Call-and-response vocals with movement
I typically begin with the whole class singing together. I lead the group
by singing a short melodic or rhythmic part, accompanying these with hand
and body movement to accentuate the part. The kids can then mirror the voice
and movement back to me, and I immediately give them a new part.
2) Circlesong
This method involves small groups singing different melodic or rhythmic parts
at once, overlapping to form a multi-textured chorus with interlocking parts.
I will typically divide the kids into 3 or 4 separate groups based on vocal
range (bass, tenor, alto, soprano). I start with one group, giving them a
phrase to repeat. I then add the other groups one by one, giving them a complementary
part, gradually building a 3 or 4 part chorus. I can then direct certain groups
to drop out for a time, or to get softer or louder. I can also direct the
whole group to increase or decrease volume or tempo. I may also direct movements
to accompany the part.
3) Songwriting
We begin by taking suggestions for a song topic – an environment, activity,
animal, or idea. Some examples include: the ocean, the forest, birds, waking
up, hiking, etc. We then divide into groups, each group working to come up
with at least a few sentences about this topic. While I play a simple musical
phrase, the kids can then work on adapting their words to the music, and have
a part in creating a song!
Workshop offered for 1/2 to 1 hour per group.
Hourly Fee: $40
FREE initial visit possible by arrangement
After School Availability
Glenn Smith has led participatory music and movement with kids at museums,
libraries, summer camp, and at numerous schools. Glenn has been playing music
for 30 years, creating music for dance and theater performances as well as
performing solo and with various groups. Glenn has made numerous CD's inluding
co-authoring the kid's CD "Roosters, Ravens, and Redwood Trees."
Glenn also leads community "Vocal Voyagers" circles throughout California.
Glenn holds a B.A. in Sociology from Stanford University as well as a current
California substitute teaching credential.
Watch this short video from a classroom session
for more information on this program, as well as referrals from teachers in public schools, contact glenn at 831-454-6342, or at musicglenn@yahoo.com