Singing a Song Together

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Singing a song together is an activity that allows participants to sing the same song individually, but present it as a collective outcome, in audio and video formats. It is a collage of several individuals singing and playing the same music. Here they have the opportunity to choose a song, sing and play it, present their musical skills, and the instruments they play. Moreover, participants can dance or do any physical/performative activity connected to the music and the song.

Singing and sharing the same song among participants can help to find links between them beyond the national borders. Very often they know the same or similar popular tunes.

 

EDUCATIONAL GOALS

This activity aims at building intercultural understandings and connections by finding similarities and links among people and cultures. Music is an understandable language that we all know and share. Especially, popular music and well-known hits could be common ground for participants to activate this method.  It is also a brilliant way to present and include cultural diversity by, for example, using traditional instruments. Moreover, it can promote and encourage the improvement of language skills.

 

OF PARTICIPANTS

5-30

 

AGE OF PARTICIPANTS

10+

 

TIME

The duration of the video usually is the length of the song.

 

TOOLS

A camera or mobile phone is needed to record a video, and if possible - a microphone. For editing and uploading the video, you need software, and a laptop or mobile phone.

 

STEPS

Step 1 (10 to 30 minutes): Preparation

Communicate with and among the participants what song they all know or they are able to learn. Decide together and choose one song.

Step 2 (15 minutes): Preparation

When the song is chosen, you can try to find its chords or notes, and possibly a link with an original version. Send it to your participants, so they have a chance to learn or practice, and have the same referential point.

Step 3 (20 minutes): Realization

Give participants an assignment and a deadline to record themselves singing and playing the song or dancing to it. Participants can decide about the surroundings and environment they want to record themselves. Make sure that everybody understands the assignment, knows the song, and has a possibility of recording. Give tips about filming: with good lighting (not against the sun) and in a quiet surrounding.

Step 4: Editing

Now it's time for collecting all the recorded videos from your participants. You can create a cloud folder so everybody can upload it, or choose and explain other methods you gather the footage (for example participants can send it to you through tools such as WeTransfer).

Step 5 (60 to 120 minutes): Editing

After gathering all the videos it's time to compose a collage out of everything and edit it. Maybe you have a participant who can do it or support you with it. From each sent and uploaded video you extract fragments and put it together as a one song.

 

INFO CORNER

This method is presented in a video format, but of course it can be also only audio.

In the preparation stage you can invest time and organize some meetings in order to learn a specific song. Participants can choose a song and learn from each other.

 

USAGE

This activity applies to (a) preparation / debrief, and (b) development of the relationship.

 

SOURCES

A video available in the Culpeer Digital platform – song “Don’t worry, Be happy”