16. MUSICAL ACTIVITIES FOR NON-MUSICIANS

In the past the BB was well known for its bugle and drum bands. Younger boys enjoyed singing, playing chime bars and tubular bells, and taking part in figure marching.

Now the number of companies with a band is much reduced. It is also quite rare to see and hear boys in the Anchor and Junior Sections participating in the activities mentioned above.

Often the reason given is that none of the leaders is musical. The infrequent inclusion of figure marching in the Junior Section programme is explained by the lack of a pianist, but an often unspoken reason is that leaders equate this activity with Company Section drill and therefore question its relevance today.

The following points may be of use to Leaders in the Anchor and Junior Sections who feel that they would like to include a musical dimension to their programme.

1. Remember that your boys are involved in musical activities at school. They will almost certainly have a favourite pop star or group! Consequently by including music in your programme you will not be introducing an alien activity!

2. Talk to those in your church you know are musical and ask for their advice. Perhaps they could come and play the piano for you? See point 4 below.

3. Your boys will not expect you to as expert as their teachers at school, or to be able to sing in tune.' What you need is confidence! Be bold and where appropriate practise at home.

4. Figure marching can be great fun! Like all activities it needs to be introduced with enthusiasm. Don't be tempted to say "we will do this until you get it right!" Try simple movements first, gradually building up to more complex ones. Don't spend too long on this activity ? about ten minutes is ideal. Certainly figure marching is much easier if you have a pianist. Is there someone in your church, a parent, or a company section lad who could assist in this way for ten minutes as required? If there really is no one the BB has published several tapes of suitable music. Note that you will need to have a powerful tape player to provide the volume needed.

5. There are many relatively simple Christian choruses, some with actions. The following book has a good mixture of choruses and longer songs. There are a number of tapes, which go with it.

"Junior Praise" ? published by Marshall Pickering

Play the cassette at home first so that you can become familiar with the music. Then either play the tape to your boys and get them to join in or sing it yourself. Your devotional time could then include a story, prayer and a song.

6. Get your boys to make their own percussion instruments which can then be used to enhance your singing time. The book "Here's one I made earlier", published by Scripture Union, contains some simple ideas.

7. As you gain in confidence the following resources may be of help to you:

Book catalogue from A & C black
PO Box 19
Huntington
Cambs
PE19 3SF
Tel: 01480 212666

gives many examples of songbooks, many of which are accompanied by a cassette.

Catalogue from Music Education Supplies Ltd
101 Banstead Road South
Sutton
Surrey
SM2 5LH
Tel: 0181 770 3866

gives details of books, cassettes, percussion instruments and chime bars.

8. Some years ago the BB sold sets of tubular bells. Do you have a set at the back of your cupboard? Can you borrow a set from another company? The sets came with a book of suitable tunes. Don't assume that your boys will know them. Sing it to them first and get them familiar with it. Once they start on the bells they will be concentrating on when to strike their bell so that initially they will not appreciate the overall tune. Why not record it and play it back to them?