Hi Allan,
When I taught elementary chorus, grades 3,4,5 and 6, for warm ups I would use the Kodaly sign. I believe in the Kodaly sign because it helps to develop good ear training. WHen the students were very familiar with it, I would break up the group in two. I would have one student come up and lead one group and I would lead the other group both of us beginning on Do. Then the other person leading would do maybe a Sol while Im still holding my group on Do or we will switch around with different signs. This gives the students a chance to hear harmony and it gets them prepared for middle school choirs. I have been told after they leave the elementary school for middle school, they made it for the higher choir they had to try out. This made me feel so proud of what I taught my students and what I accomplished for them.
I was a music major for choral and piano performance. I know would like to get into song writing.
Thank you for letting me share this.
Julie
