To help kids listen to rock more critically.

OVERVIEW

LEADER PREPARATION

Obtain the following items for the session:

• A few songs that clearly contain different messages (about sex, violence, rebellion, message, love, feelings, etc.).
• Cassette tapes or CDs, cued to songs
• Cassette and/or CD player
• Index cards
• Pens or pencils

GROUP BUILDING

Use either of the activities described below:

"To Tell the Truth." Each participant writes down the following information on an index card: name, favorite group, favorite song, least favorite group, and least favorite song. Ask for three volunteers; collect their cards. Read one of their cards aloud (do not reveal whose card it is). The rest of the group may ask questions (for 2-3 minutes) of the three volunteers to determine whose card was read. All are trying to convince the group that it is their card (one is truthful; the other two are only persuading). After a few minutes of interrogation, have group vote on who they think it is. Ask the person who really wrote the card to reveal him- or herself. Repeat the activity as desired.

"Name that Tune." Play 2 seconds of a pop song from the radio, a cassette tape, or CD. Have the program participants raise their hands to answer the following questions: Who is singing? (1 point); Name of song? (1 point); What is name of the album or CD? (2 points). The first person to answer correctly continues answering until he or she is incorrect. Then choose next person to continue until all 4 points are scored for each song. Use as many songs as time allows.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Explain that the group will listen to and give feedback on rock music. Emphasize that they—not you—will discuss the music. Ask them to listen carefully to all aspects of the song; they may take notes as they listen. Play a few currently popular rock songs. Ask the following discussion questions: they can either answer the questions aloud or write them down and discuss later.

• Who sings the song?
• What do the lyrics say?
• Have you ever really listened to the words before?
• What values are communicated through the song?
• Do you agree with these values?
• How do these lyrics affect you and your values?
• Is it alright to listen to this kind of music? Why or why not?
• How does music fit into your life?

WRAP-UP

• Ask the group what they have learned. Get several different perspectives.
• Leave them with some questions to consider as they listen to music: Why do you like rock music? How does it affect your life? Are there changes you need to make in the way you listen?

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP

• Regularly, but not too often, continue to ask kids about music. Such inquiry will reinforce critical listening in kids. Individually discuss with kids in your group about how their critical listening technique is working.
• This discussion is specifically designed for a small youth group. However, it could be used in a large group or a less-structured overnight (formalized or spontaneous) setting. It might also be suitable in a classroom setting.

IMPLICATIONS

• Music is a significant part of adolescents’ lives. This exercise provides the opportunity for leaders to discuss, understand, and help kids deal with this significant influence.
• The youth worker should aim to open lines of communication with kids on the charged issue of music. Do not "preach" to them or even try change them; instead, give them skills that they can use to critically evaluate and process the lyrics they hear in rock music.