Why do people sing together?

People have sung together throughout history.

Hearing people sing together can make us feel happy and energetic.

People sing in lots of different places such as churches and mosques, football matches and school assemblies.

Singing can help us feel connected to each other. This is why lots of people choose to sing in a choir.

When we sing with others, we have to think about how to make it sound good.

Listening is the most important part of singing with others.

Sometimes, songs have an introduction which helps us all start at the same time.

If not, we have to count in so everyone can start together.

What is a conductor in music?

The person who stands in front of a group of singers to lead them is called a conductor.

It's their job to help all the singers stay together.

The conductor will set the speed (tempo) of the song and show when singers need to sing louder or quieter (dynamics).

Conducting might look a bit like magic. A conductor moves their hands in a special way, like casting a spell, then all the singers react to change the song at the same time.

Watch: Singing in lots of different ways

In this video, Martin the Martian tries singing in lots of different ways. This is known as expression.

Try singing along with Martin and following Cara the Conductor's instructions.

The words to the song are: Kaboom, splat! Wallop and zap! Splish, splash, pop…squelch, squelch, squelch!

Activities

Conductor challenge

Listen to your favourite song. Can you move your hand in time with the beat?

With your family or friends, ask them to sing a song and watch you as the conductor.

Move your hand up and down to show when they should get louder and quieter.

Move your hands faster and slower.

What happens to everybody singing?

Quiz

Glossary

Here's the meaning to some important words.

Choir - A group of people who sing together.
Conductor - The person who leads a group of singers.
Dynamics - How loud or quiet the music is.
Expression - Playing or singing with feeling, showing a personal response to the music.
Tempo - The speed the music is played or sung.