Assumes one 50 minute class period a week.

Students enter the room and sit in their assigned seats. Students on the north end of the rows gather and distribute folders, hymnals, etc.

Start the class with stretching and vocal warm ups. Examples include “Scooby dooby dooby dooby doo” and sirens.

Students then open their hymnals to the indicated “hymn of the week.” Teacher uses recorded accompaniment, and the students sing through the first verse. The class then stops and discusses the topic of the hymn, the specific verse, and the meaning of unknown words or phrases that are used. Depending on the church season, the class discusses why this particular hymn is appropriate for that week. The hymn is then sung again, this time including several, if not all, of the additional verses.

Students then work on the main body of the rehearsal.

With approximately 15 minutes left in the lesson, students put their books and folders under their chairs. Papers with the lyrics to a song are handed out to each person. The song is played, and the students are to follow along with the lyrics. It is strongly suggested that the students follow the words with their finger. Self-regulation is key; there is absolutely no talking allowed. Students must focus on their own musical experience. Once the song is done, each student must give a lyric or phrase that was particularly meaningful to them. It is ok if several people have the same answer. This helps them compare and evaluate what they have learned from the song. This is followed by a very brief discussion of the overall meaning or theme of the song.