"Tell me a story before I go to bed ... Colby ... Psalty ... Three Wee Kings." These titles represent only a few of the productions in which my children have participated as members of church children's choirs. And they also represent a multitude of great memories full of interaction with caring adults, laughter, and fun with peers. Best of all, they represent times when the children tucked away God's Word and principles in their hearts in a delightful, effortless way. Am I a strong advocate of participation in these choirs? Oh, yes! I see great advantages even for a child who will never perform professionally or pursue a career in music. What do such choirs have to offer our children?

Basic Instruction

Even volunteer leaders in small choirs usually have enough music background to teach children some basics. They may learn to recognize notes, read some music or just learn how to harmonize in parts. Even minor instruction will begin to familiarize our children with the delight of lifting their voices in worship. Not all schools have organized music instruction, but those children who are fortunate enough to attend such a school, and gain a familiarity with the basics, are a step ahead. Thus, a church choir program for youngsters will offer them benefits even in the world of academics. Where there is no school music program, the church choir is even more vital.

Positive Peer Relationships

Our second son was born when our small country church was in the midst of a baby boy blitz. He was one of nearly 10 boys born in a short span. These boys found camaraderie in preschool choir even as their leaders prayed for endurance. Today, as senior high students and college freshmen, some still spend time together -- they all remember the bonds created.

Group Cooperation

For youngsters to maintain the discipline and focus required to put together a choir special or even a small musical, they learn the values of group cooperation. Not everyone can have the lead parts or the solos, but everyone is necessary. That lesson is reinforced by the great delight of seeing the finished product emerge on opening night. It is then that the give and take of the practice process and the submission to the authority of their leaders makes great sense. Mental Challenges The effort that goes into learning songs and dialogue is a skill that easily carries over into the academic realm and other areas of life. My four older youngsters later entered programs that required much Bible memorization. I believe their early choir years assisted in both the discipline of memorization and the foundation of love for God's Word.

Drama Experience

Many choir productions are interwoven with drama presentations. This added factor has multiple benefits. It strengthens memory skills, cultivates an ease in public performance, and may even lead toward future involvement in drama ministry. A group of our choir youngsters did carry these skills into the public arena. Several of the children from our small church, including my 10-year-old son, auditioned for, and attained, roles in a major community production of the musical Oliver. One former choir member now participates in an elite high school show choir.

Confidence Builders

Acquiring skills increases confidence. Choir develops all of the skills referred to earlier. Individual roles further assist in preparation for boldness in the presence of crowds, and a "can-do" response to other challenges. Three of my children have been recipients of top awards in the public speaking arena of our local service club. They have been willing to assume leadership roles that involve speaking or performing. It was in choir that they first faced an audience alone.

Training in Truth

Children's songs and musicals are often filled with biblical truth and Scriptures. It is a wonderful way for children to absorb the concepts of God's ways and make application on their level. They learn about praying, loving one another, celebrating wholesome holidays, and applying God's Word in everyday situations. The creativity of today's song writers and dramatists for children is exciting to see. I have recently seen children's musicals that boldly confronted the evolution/creation issue, reminded viewers of the Christian values that established our country, and called the audience to a reverent celebration of the birth of Christ. In the process of preparation, these youngsters are receiving a healthy dose of truth.

Cultivating Good Taste

Filling the minds of our children with wholesome rhythms and lyrics can help them make better choices in music as they mature. Music, especially if repeatedly practiced, has a way of playing itself out in our consciousness over and over. It is easy to contrast the positive, fun music of their childhood choir with the often dark and defiant music the world offers them as teens. The youth choir in which I participated as a teenager introduced us to upbeat Southern Gospel songs that affirmed our faith. And our travels with that choir provided us with healthy activities accompanied by affirming adults. We even recorded an album. When we gathered 20 years later for a "youth choir" reunion, it was a delight to relive those memories. And, for many, those joyful times still define their sense of worship and musical tastes.

Magnificent Memories

Our home has been filled through the years with the sounds of our children practicing the latest choir song or dialogue assignment. They learned early to associate fun with "making a joyful noise unto the Lord." The other benefits were incidental to them. But this mom will be forever willing to applaud those who lead our children in music ... and always willing to give three cheers for children's choir!

Lettie J. Kirkpatrick is a freelance writer, Cleveland, Tenn. © Copyright 2001 by Lettie J. Kirkpatrick. Used by permission.

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