Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: https://read.jwpepper.com/i/765660
8 CGC63 The Handmade Parade does not have to be complicated. It can be as simple as you want it to be. Artsy-craftsy bonus material is available at choristersguild.org, giving ideas for several objects to include in your own Handmade Parade and including step-by-step instructions for the following projects: jellyfish, bat, butterfly, double helix, fish, puppets, bird kite, torn paper masks, found-object percussion, and leaves of hope and blessing. Don't feel limited to what I've provided. My goal was to come up with things that would be easy to assemble, that incorporate recycled materials/found objects, and are easy on the budget. Remember – you were created to create. I know you've got good ideas, and so do the creative children under your care! Staging Your Parade Staging the Handmade Parade all depends on your space. During the intro to In the Image, children can line up with their instruments, banners, puppets, whatever it is they've created. The children sing verse 1 ("We are all made in the image of God…") while stationary or marching in place. During the extended interlude, the parade line begins moving. Repeat the interlude section as often as needed for the children to finish the parade route. A few recommendations: Don't have the children sing while they parade around the space. It's very easy to get out of sync with the accompanist or the performance track. Position the drummers/percussionists near the front of the line. The rhythm they play can help lead the others. Have a few special things set aside just for the parade. Otherwise, the children will have revealed everything in the previous portion when they show each other what they made. Reserving a few little surprises for the congregation (or audience) will be more enjoyable for everyone. These items can be tucked away in a corner of the space. Carefully plan out your parade route. If you have one center aisle, consider having the children line up at the back and process down that aisle. If you have two side aisles, perhaps the children can start at stage left, parade up one side aisle, down the other side aisle, and return to the main staging area via stage right. Once the entire procession of children has made its way back to the stage, have them continue with the song to the end. And note the optional cuts and repeats which can shorten or lengthen the interlude, depending on the timing of your Handmade Parade. For Preview Only