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How It Works

The Lyrics Alive process is very simple.  The first thing we like to do is meet with the principal, teachers, and/or the PTO - anyone who is involved with making decisions about special programs and who we would coordinate with before and during our time at the school.  We need about 30 minutes for our presentation which includes an 8 minute video.  We get to meet you, you get to meet us, and all questions can be addressed right there - much  better than a brochure or a promo kit (even this website).  Once you decide to have a Lyrics Alive program at your school and decide on a date we.....

Coordinate with the Language Arts or Music teacher(s).  Using what they have learned in Language Arts relating to verse, rhyme, poetry, descriptive words, etc., we ask that students write as a group and prepare ideas/poems/lyrics for 2 songs per class* for the program before we arrive.  The students can write about any subject, but we suggest at least one of their class submissions be about something they are studying in school.  
This gives: 
1. Extra writing practice
2. A before and after look at their writing
3. More efficient use of time
(We don't spend half of the classroom sessions
deciding what to write about)
.  If it is easier to break into smaller groups or even have individual submissions and then have the class vote for the 2 they want – that's fine.  We can write up to 8 lyrics/songs per four-day program (i.e., 4 classes x 2 lyrics).
(* based on a 4-day program)

In The Classroom
We like to meet with the classes for about 1 hour each on Day 1 and Day 2, and work on one lyric per class per day. These will be collaborative, brainstorming sessions in which we will discuss and participate in the lyric editing process, bring the lyric into better focus if needed, show how poems sometimes differ from song lyrics, and work with word usage (alliteration, simile, metaphor, etc.).  We will also talk about rhyme scheme, rhythm, as well as possible song styles, with the students.  This is a group effort and we encourage total participation so that each student has a chance to contribute.  If time allows we may start to work on the music, otherwise, while away from the school we will set the lyrics to music.  

Rehearsal
On Day 3 we will meet with the classes for about 1 hour each to play the songs, talk about any changes that the students may feel are needed, teach them the songs and rehearse for the concert(s) on Day 4.  At that point we’ll determine whether the song warrants percussion or student solos, props or costumes, etc., and we’ll decide who will do what.  We want to give the students an opportunity to showcase their abilities as much as possible.  While we want to encourage the students’ imaginations in regard to props and costumes, we don’t want things to get to the point where the audience is distracted from hearing what is most important – the words that they have crafted into lyrics.

Concerts
On Day 4 we will perform the completed songs with the students in one or two concerts for the school/community, to be determined by school schedules.  While parents are welcome to attend the daytime school concert, an evening concert for the parents/community is also an option.  The concert(s) usually last 30 to 45 minutes. The concert(s) are recorded and CDs and tapes will be produced and made available.

Please contact us to schedule a meeting where we can explain in further detail how a Lyrics Alive program can fit into your school's curriculum and schedule.