"Lyrics Alive is a language arts program for children that promotes creativity, teamwork, and sharing of ideas & self-worth through writing and music."
Lyrics Alive is a dynamic, creative writing program developed by Bob and Mary Bomar Ritter for grade school students. Collectively, Bob & Mary have over 38 years of lyric/songwriting and performance experience with school age children.
The Lyrics Alive four-day residency features a unique curriculum that takes an intensive, detailed and collaborative approach with students, while promoting:
- Creativity Through Lyric Writing
- Word Usage
- Teamwork & Cooperation
- Goal Setting
- Sharing of Thoughts and Ideas
- Self Worth
- Presentation and Performance
It is important to note that "Lyrics Alive" can and has been used as a curriculum tool to expand and enhance classroom studies, in some cases helping schools meet state and federal academic standards.
Coordinated through the school's language arts classes, the program curriculum is as follows:
- Days 1 & 2 - Meet with classes (about 1 hour each) to read, discuss, brainstorm, clarify and edit pre-written lyrics/ideas (1 lyric per class each day). Point out the differences between poems and song lyrics, as well as explaining rhyme schemes, simile, metaphor, etc. Talk about desired music style for songs, and gather potential melody lines from students. If time allows, start to work on music for the lyrics. Otherwise, while away from the school Mary & Bob write music (up to 8 songs) for the student's lyrics.
- Day 3 - Present completed songs and teach them to the students. Give student writers opportunity to accept or revise songs. Also decide which students might perform a vocal solo or play an instrument along with Bob and Mary.
- Day 4 - On or two concerts for the entire school, focusing on the students' performance and showcasing of their work (includes audio recording from which CD's and tapes are produced and made available to students).
Lyrics Alive is extremely successful at capturing the creative talents of students at all learning levels and aptitudes. And the benefits are many...
- Learning about the fun and creatively challenging process of lyric writing.
- A true creative writing experience, thanks to the program's ability to help unlock the gifts that the children have in terms of writing and storytelling...then having their lyrics or "stories" set to music.
- The chance to cooperate and work as a team to achieve a common goal.
- Allow students not as strong academically the chance to thrive in a creative environment.
- Provide a positive and affirming boost to students struggling with personal issues or troubled home lives.
- The opportunity to express thoughts and ideas that might otherwise remain silent.
- The anticipation, excitement, pride and satisfaction of performing their own songs, in front of a "live" audience.
- The opportunity to have a CD recording of their "live" performance.
Contact Info...
Bob Ritter & Mary Bomar // PO Box 44, Deputy Indiana 47230-044 // bomarandritter@yahoo.com // www.lyricsalive.org.
