Submitted by Gretchen Taylor, Illinois
Idea posted June 13, 2003
Before I explain my tactic, let me first set the stage.
At my school, all shows are whole-school (K-8) and all students are required to participate (sing). Since I've been at this school (3 years), there have been a few kids (boys, I'm afraid) in each of the upper grades who, because THEY don't want to sing, decide THEY don't have to, and therefore don't! The boys go through six weeks of rehearsing only to sit voiceless and motionless in class making no effort at all. In fact, at the Christmas program, two boys in the 8th grade and two in the 7th simply stood deadpan during their class performance without even moving their lips. We even had some simple choreography, but they just planted their feet and stood like miserable statues. Many parents noticed (who wouldn't?) and commented on this.
O.K., with all that said, here's what I plan to do if necessary.
I always let the kids know my expectations during these "chorus" rehearsals, and I do everything in my power to make the rehearsals engaging and fun. I've also made new seating arrangements, trying to keep the boys together with better singers next to the non-singers. But, during rehearsals, when I notice a student pulling his "I'm just gonna sit here and do nothing" routine, I will calmly and simply ask him nicely to please come and STAND over by the side wall for the remainder of the rehearsal. No warning, no emotion, just changing his spot. Oh, I'll let him know that he's to continue rehearsing, but from this new post now. No other explanation at this point. If he whines, moans, or questions why he's having to stand where he is, I'll simply say, "I'll let you know at the end of the rehearsal." If he makes a bigger stink about his new situation, to the point where it disrupts the rehearsal, I'll send him to the office to write out the words of whatever song we're on and assure him that he'll be starting out the next rehearsal standing in his new spot. Now, if I see any others following suit, they too will be given a new standing rehearsal spot for the rest of the time.
At the end of the rehearsal, before dismissal, I will address the standees. I will let them know that whether or not they choose to make an effort and sing during rehearsals is totally up to them. However, if they choose the "no effort" approach, they will be standing apart from those who ARE making an effort for the rest of the rehearsal. If it appears they are getting comfortable in their new spot, parents and principal will be notified about the situation. And again, if there is any big "to do" put on while standing, then out they go to write words.
Finally, for those who have made it apparent, after repeat moves to the wall, that they have no intention of opening their mouths to sing with their classmates, then, for the program, I will stand these darlings off to the side of the risers (as a group), slightly separated from their class during the performance. If they want to stand there voiceless and motionless, they may, but not as a part of the group, so as to detract from the great music happening on the risers. And yes, the audience will no doubt wonder what they're doing there, but let them wonder; they'll probably figure it out anyway (it won't be a surprise).