Teamwork

Before I give any suggestions for leading music, I just want to stress the importance of the teamwork between the chorister and the pianist.

To the Pianist:

• It is important to follow the chorister's lead when playing in primary (or anytime you have a chorister).
• When the children are learning a new song, sometimes it is important to just play the melody. If the chorister doesn't recognize that just the melody needs to be played, you might suggest it to the chorister. 
• Another important fact for the pianist is - if you can't hear the children singing, then you are playing too loud. Either soften your touch on the keys, or use the soft pedal. The children need to be able to hear themselves and the chorister needs to be able to hear them. 
• If you aren't familiar with the music that will be used in Primary, be sure to practice during the week. Be sure to get a list from the chorister on the music you'll be playing so you can practice. If you see the Chorister isn't familiar with some of the music offer to get together to help them learn the song
• Enjoy that you have been given a gift that you can share with the children of the Church.

To the Chorister:

• You are the leader and it is important that you know the songs. If you aren't familiar when the music, then you can listen to it on LDS.org under Primary. I can't stress how important it is for you to be familiar with the music. You don't want to be in front of the children and not know what how to sing a song, let alone teach it. Practice many times during the week and I would suggest doing it in front of a mirror. 
• Work with the pianist. I would suggest when teaching the children a new song, have the pianist just play the melody. That will help the children learn the music and it will be easier for them when you introduce the accompaniment. 
• When presenting the music, make sure if you use a poster that is big enough for the children to see in the back of the room. 8 1/2 x 11" paper just doesn't work. Pictures also help the children remember certain words.  
• Give your pianist a list of the music one month prior to using the music. This will give the pianist enough time to practice.
• Just have fun with your calling.

A Little Do's and Don't's 

• Do use pictures. You can obtain pictures from the LDS Gospel Library pictures - order online for your own copy or borrow from your building library.
• Don't use caricature pictures of Christ and never portray Heavenly Father in pictures.
• Do use Posters - make them colorful with pictures and words
• Don't use pictures like the eye to represent the word I - pictures shouldn't substitute for things they don't represent.
• Do use only approved music for Primary. It can be from the Primary music book, Hymns, or music that appears in The Friend magazine. This goes for Nursery also. Teach them songs from the Primary book -
• Don't teach songs like Itsy Bitsy spider, the Alphabet song, or Bringing Home a Bumble Bee - those are not appropriate for Nursery. They are fun songs but need to be taught outside of Nursery. 
• Do have fun with your calling!
• Don't worry!

You both have the best callings in the Church (well, that's my opinion).  If you have questions on your calling, ask your counselor, your president, your stake primary chorister, and also consult your manuals.

Welcome

Welcome to my new Blog, Musical Notes. This blog was mainly created for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' members who have been called to the chorister or pianist positions in Primary.

For those of you aren't familiar with this Church, we have an organization called Primary which serves the children from ages 3-11. Each week on Sunday the children are taught songs and hymns to sing. People who are called to the position of chorister and pianist aren't always the most qualified, however we believe if this person puts forth full effort, Heavenly Father will help this person be successful. The key to remember is the person who has the calling, whether qualified or not, will be successful with the help of Heavenly Father, only if they put forth their own effort.

A little about me: I have been playing the piano since 4th grade (age 9) which has been a long time, believe me. I have played the organ and piano in church, weddings, funerals, baptisms, primary and have also accompanied choirs, groups and individuals.  I have sung in school and church choirs and have also directed choirs in performances. I have served as the Primary Chorister and for the past two years have served as the Stake Primary Chorister.

Some of you are probably asking, what does a Stake Primary Chorister do? Well, this is an important calling because I am able to assist those who are serving their wards in the chorister and pianist positions. We have a Stake training for the primary music positions once a year where they can share ideas and I can give them suggestions. It has been a learning and growing experience for me. One area I have recently begun to pursue is writing music. I haven't published anything yet, but have been encouraged by friends to do so. One of these days.

Receiving a call to be the primary chorister and pianist can be a little overwhelming for some people. Not everyone, as I mentioned above, has the experience or confidence. I am hoping this blog will help those who might need a little encouragement or some new ideas.

I welcome ideas and hope you'll make comments and share your ideas and activities that have worked well for you. Now, let the fun begin!