Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: https://read.jwpepper.com/i/765660
7 We hold a Handmade Parade at our church every other year, usually around Earth Day in the spring. In the weeks leading up to the parade, the children make all the banners, puppets, instruments, and more – all using recycled materials and found objects! Aside from being a great way to begin a worship service (or end a musical!) a Handmade Parade is a true celebration. It celebrates: a loving Creator the wonder and beauty of God's creation our own creative spirit our role in caring for creation the amazing things that can happen when we work together Making Your Objects Preparing for the Handmade Parade can offer wonderful opportunities for children to share their talents beyond singing. It might even draw children into participating who might not have considered being part of a children's choir. In fact, imagine this possibility… What if you decide to present In the Image as your spring musical in April or May? Rather than have a series of choir practices, one dress rehearsal, and a show – you could design your time with the children like an Arts Academy. Divide the children into two groups. You and another grownup can work with one group on dialogue, solos, and staging while another pair of volunteers works with the other group on some of the Handmade Parade items. Have the groups switch places for an equal amount of time. Finally, bring everyone together for the last fifteen minutes to sing through a couple songs and share devotional time. The Heart-Song of God – An uplifting ballad. The accompaniment can start right as CATALYST is saying her line, "Maybe. What if the image…" Brief optional divisi near the end. In the Image – The big finale. The length of the song depends on the length of your Handmade Parade and the size of the space. The interlude (m. 21-65) takes about 2:15 when observing the repeats. Make sure all the instrumentalists are attentive and ready to extend or shorten the interlude. I would encourage the instrumentalists to really play out during the interlude so any children marching with rhythm instruments will be able to stay in tempo. The optional instrument parts bring a fantastic energy to the musical score, reinforcing the diversity and style of each song. Seek out a great woodwind player and a few talented percussionists. As with any song, instrumentalists should be attentive to the marked dynamics, careful not to overshadow the singers. CGC63 The Handmade Parade For Preview Only