Your Turn to Lead!

I like this game gives the kids a  chance to lead the music, as well as teaching them how to follow a chorister. Don't pull this one out until your kids are familiar with tempo (allegro-andante-adagio) and dynamics (forte--mezzo-forte-piano). 

This is also one of the few games that can be used as is for Junior and Senior Primary!

Supplies needed:

• 3 pictures representing the three tempos (allegro, andante, adagio). You can see mine above.
• 3 pictures of the dynamic marks (forte, mezzo-forte, piano). I found mine using Google.
• 6 pieces of heavy paper, 3 of one color, 3 of another (make them identical sizes and big enough to glue the pictures listed above on).
• glue stick
• List of songs you want the Primary to sing (you can have one list, or separate lists for Junior and Senior)

Set up:

1. Glue the 3 tempo pictures onto 3 pieces of heavy paper (same color).
2. Glue the 3 dynamic pictures onto the other 3 pieces of heavy paper.

Game play:

1. Show the Primary each of the cards and review what they mean (allegro means fast, etc.)
2. Explain that the way you know the tempo of a song is by how fast the chorister waves his/her arm
1. Show them how you'd lead an allegro song, an andante song, and an adagio song.
3. Explain that you can figure out the dynamics of a song by how BIG the chorister makes his/her leading.
1. Show how you would lead a forte song (big waving), mezzo-forte song (regular), and piano song (very small motions).
4. Explain that now some of THEM are going to get to lead the music! Choose one child to come lead the music.
1. Take the 6 tempo/dynamic cards to the pianist. Put them face down and have the child pick one of each color (so one tempo card, one dynamic card). Don't let the Primary see!
1. Whisper in the child's ear to make sure they understand how to lead that combination (forte+adagio=big, slow movements, piano+allegro=tiny, fast movements).
2. Explain to the Primary that the child is going to lead the music, but they (the audience) have to figure out the tempo and dynamics by watching how the music is lead.
3. Sing the first song on your list with the child leading (you can help lead if you'd like).
4. When the song is over, have the Primary try to guess which dynamic/tempo the child drew. See if they're right!
5. Repeat with another child, sing song #2, etc.