1. What is a song?

A song is words + tune. People sing songs for fun, to tell stories, to pray, or to celebrate. In Kenya we sing in English, Swahili and many local languages. Songs can be quiet and slow or loud and fast.

2. Types of songs you might perform

• Traditional / folk songs (from communities like Luo, Kamba, Kikuyu, etc.)
• Children’s songs and playground songs
• Gospel / church songs
• Patriotic songs (for school events and national holidays)

3. Easy warm-up (5 minutes)

1. Stretch: Reach up tall, shake your arms for 10 seconds.
2. Breathing: Breathe in for 4 counts, out for 6 counts. (Repeat 4 times)
3. Humming: Hum a comfortable note for 8 seconds — feel your ribs move.
4. Lip trill: Blow air and make your lips buzz (like a motor) for 5–10 seconds.
5. Siren: Sing "oooo" from low to high and back down slowly.

4. How to prepare a song for performance

• Learn the words: Read the lyrics and mark hard words.
• Practice in parts: Verse, chorus, then put them together.
• Pronunciation: Sing clearly — pay attention to Swahili vowels (a, e, i, o, u).
• Posture: Stand straight, shoulders relaxed, feet shoulder-width apart.
• Breath support: Breathe from your belly, not just your chest.
• Expression: Smile, think about the song’s feeling (happy, sad, proud).

5. Simple clapping pattern for songs

6. Call and response (easy for groups)

7. Mini original song (practice)

8. Performance checklist (for school events)

• Practice lyrics and parts
• Bring water bottle
• Wear neat, comfortable clothes
• Do warm-up before going on stage
• Stand in order and smile

9. On stage — simple rules

• Listen to the teacher/conductor.
• Look at the audience sometimes — make eye contact.
• Keep movements small and together with classmates.
• Clap for others and bow at the end.