You are invited to come 24 hours early to attend the Boulder “Pre-Gathering”!
In the spirit of “Gathering” we will have numerous presenters including: Dr. Joy Berg, Jerry Gunderson, Dr. Rev. Larry Kochendorfer, Dr. Greg Peterson, Helen Thoenes, Erik Whitehill and Carole Lea Arenson as the choral director. The core emphasis will be the 4th – 6th Grade Children’s Choir with college students serving as mentors. You will have the opportunity to observe rehearsal, attend Focus sessions, find new children’s choir music, gain tips on how to advocate for children in your congregation, establish a network with like-minded musicians and more.
REHEARSAL: 4th – 6th Grade Choir with Carole Lea Arenson and company:
Opportunity to observe rehearsal techniques including:
- Working with mentors in rehearsal
- Fruitful Warm-ups
- Helping the lyrical head voice soar
- Making two part singing a joy
- Helping children respond to conducting gestures
- Making the text so meaningful it becomes apparent to the listener through the music
- Communicating with an accompanist and mentors in rehearsal without speaking
- The benefits of seating the singers for a “sound”
- Helping the singers realize they “belong” in the church and are worship leaders
FOCUS:
- Watery Beginnings: The Journey with Children and Youth in Worship - Dr. Joy Berg and Dr. Rev. Larry Kochendorfer
We will explore ideas for involving children and youth into our worship times in many different ways. Many of these ideas have already been used at Ascension Lutheran Church in Edmonton, Alberta, in Canada. We will also invite you to share your own experiences – either as a church body or as an involved individual!
- Understanding Child Development – Carole Lea Arenson and Dr. Joy Berg
What does a children’s choral director need to know about Child Development? How can this knowledge lead to improved involvement on the part of a child?
- Helping Congregations Value Children – Dr. Gregory Peterson & Dr. Joy Berg
How do we create life-long worshippers who know of their value without giving them leadership opportunities? Discussions around the meaning of worship, the role of the child in worship, and appropriate texts for children will be included!
CHILDREN’S MUSIC LITERATURE:
- “Stuff that Works” – Carole Lea Arenson, Helen Thoenes and Erik Whitehill
We will be sight-singing children’s choral music which can have an impact on the worship life of the church. The musical selections usually coordinate with the lectionary and often have a scriptural text.
FOR THE FUN OF IT:
- Observe games which stimulate community building with singers
- Conversations with children and college students
- Conversations with other musicians
PRE-GATHERING WILL BE HELPFUL TO:
- Anyone who conducts or accompanies a children’s choir
- Anyone who wishes they had a children’s choir
- Anyone who wants to know the benefits of children singing in the church
- Anyone who wants to know the benefits to children when they sing in a church choir
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