Pop Kidz: Unison Teacher's Handbook

Andy Beck knows what makes young singers want to sing, and these arrangements prove it. The song selection balances contemporary appeal with genuinely uplifting messages, so students feel they're singing something meaningful, not something chosen for them. The unison writing never compromises musicality; instead, it opens space for you to layer optional harmonies when your group is ready and focuses the energy on infectious melodies and hip rhythmic hooks that kids recognize and love.

Fresh, energetic, and genuinely fun. These arrangements bring the radio into the rehearsal room without sacrificing musicality or taste. There's a lightness and immediacy to the writing that makes learning feel effortless, while the optional harmonies add warmth and sophistication when you need it.

This handbook is designed for elementary and middle school choral directors working with unison or mixed ensembles in grades three and up. It serves general music teachers, classroom educators, and private voice instructors seeking repertoire that resonates with young singers and captures the attention of families at concerts. Even reluctant singers often find motivation in recognizable pop melodies paired with lyrics about friendship, courage, and joy.

• Teach the optional harmony parts selectively rather than all at once. Introduce them after unison is secure, letting confident singers add layers while keeping the ensemble cohesive.
• Use the full performance and accompaniment tracks on the enhanced CD or online to establish style and tempo before rehearsals begin. Hearing a polished version first helps students internalize the groove and song structure.
• Lean into the contemporary feel of these arrangements by encouraging rhythmic precision and clarity of articulation. These songs sit naturally when phrasing is crisp and attacks are clean.
• Incorporate the reproducible singer pages as a learning tool during rehearsals, not just as concert handouts. Having their own pages encourages ownership of the material and independent practice.

Build a pops concert around these titles, creating a program that appeals to families who might not typically attend choral performances. Alternatively, sprinkle individual songs throughout the year as festival selections, assembly performances, or warm-up repertoire that energizes singers between more complex choral works. The reproducible pages also make these ideal candidates for community events, talent shows, and informal performances where accessibility and memorability matter most.

• Singing with appropriate phrasing in contemporary musical styles
• Reading and performing optional harmony lines in addition to unison melody
• Interpreting and performing age-appropriate text with emotional authenticity
• Developing rhythmic accuracy in syncopated and contemporary musical patterns
• Building confidence and ensemble cohesion through familiar, engaging repertoire