Sing! Sing! Sing! (pg 253)

Within a month of moving to Blanding, I was called to be the Primary Chorister. My conversation (the weekend before I moved) with the counselor in the Bishopric went like this:

Brother Nielson*: You play the piano, don't you? You're musical?

Me: Yes. Well, I'm not that great [note: I was worried choir pianist was on his mind, and I don't quite think I am up to that task yet]. I play hymns. Yes, I'm musical.

Brother Nielson: And you like kids?

Me: [laughing] Yes, I love kids. And I can play primary songs.

Brother Nielson: Great. That's just great. We are really looking forward to you moving down here. Don't worry, I have something in mind just for you!

Me: Ok [still laughing].

Needless to say, I was not called to be the primary pianist as I had thought, but the chorister. I remember as a little primary girl telling my chorister (whom I thought was beautiful and perfect in every way) that I aspired to her calling someday. Well I don't know if I jinxed myself as a 10 year old or what, but my first real calling in a family ward took me there--and I wasn't as confident as I was back in my primary singing days. I was pretty nervous, in fact.

In the past six months, I have learned a lot with my little primary kids. I think someday I will come up with a creative idea on my own (rather than found off the internet--if you are looking for some good idea sites, let me know). I have definitely had some rough weeks, but a lot of fun in the meantime. Here are some my favorite things about being the primary chorister:

1. The kids love you unconditionally (no matter how bad I do or how dumb my game was)
2. I get to sing and sing and sing on Sundays! I love singing
3. we have fun
4. When we sing Once there was a Snowman they get so low they lay on the floor and laugh. I love it.
5. The kids love singing
6. I get to experiment and it is ok (whereas in my high school classes I also get to experiment and there is a little bit more pressure from the 16-18 year olds)
7. Preparation often includes coloring (i.e. I have an excuse to color on Saturday afternoon)
8. we play games!
9. They sometimes know the song better than I do--and so I can always count of one of the older girls if I suddenly can't remember the words
   
10. The gospel is often the most beautiful and simple through primary songs
11. When we sing wiggle songs, it inevitably includes jumping up and down on one foot, and this never fails to make me laugh
12. There are few things more beautiful than a room full of children singing their best (sitting up straight, folding their arms, looking at me, and meaning what they sing)
13. I love singing! (did I already mention that? It's true)
    

*Note: Brother (Mr.) Nielson teaches next door to me at the high school (he teaches sophomores and French, I teach juniors and seniors English). I was originally going to rent a small house he owns, so had already met and talked to him a few times. I thought this conversation, however, was the funniest!