Harmony in a choir

Ages 9 to 12 Read alone or together · about 30 minutes

Read together

Harmony is when different notes sound together. A choir often sings in parts: high and low.

Good harmony needs listening as well as singing.

Do it

1. Sing a simple song you know, such as a round (for example “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”) with family in two groups.
2. Start the second group after the first line. Listen to how they fit.
3. Try humming a lower note under the tune.
4. Notice which parts you hear, and when you were off pitch.

Talk about it

• Which part are you singing?
• What happens when we listen more?

For the grown-up

Singing together builds belonging and listening. Many churches sing in harmony, from Orthodox chant to gospel to the Filipino coro tradition. Do not strain voices.

Mark as done

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Where this comes from

• Randel, D. M. (ed.), The Harvard Dictionary of Music (Belknap Press, 4th edition, 2003), entries on harmony and choir
• Voice Foundation, pages on vocal health for young singers

Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.