Apenchois is a good one.
Quote from: Copticandproud on February 05, 2012, 10:47:31 PMApenchois is a good one.doubt it, most kids 4th grade and under can learn apenchoic easily. they've heard the tune before, all they need to learn are the words and some guidance.
Apenchois isn't too difficult for them.By this age (7/8), they should already know 'thok te tee gom' in 2 languages and the communion response "Jesus Christ fasted for us 40 days and 40 nights" and should start learning Apenchois, Je Peniot, the Madeeha "Blessed are those who have mercy", and the doxology tune. By 10/11 years old, they should be familiar with all this and start learning Weekday hymns (ie Alleluia Ei-e-ee, Nefsenty, Somatos).
...we create the environment that says they are too young.
Ummm. Musical aptitude is not linear and not triggered later in life. We have this misconception that a child can only learn a very simple and quick hymn and then take a linear step forward every year until they become competent to learn hard, long hymns later in life. Education psychologist generally believe that any person has the potential to learn the hard, long material at any point of life, regardless of age. It is not the age that prevents a 2nd grader from learning Pekethronos. It is the environmental influences and personal influences. Environmental influences include peer pressure, parent's influence and value, education environment, etc. Personal influences include desire to learn and improve, desire to succeed for parents, desire to be holy, etc. The younger a person is the more desire and capability he/she has to learn very complicated hymns or material. As a person ages, it is the environmental factors and desire that change (in cycles and not linear). So a 2nd grader can learn Meghalo but he may not want to. He may want to at high school. The potential to learn remains relatively stable throughout life.I know this is not what you are asking. But don't be afraid to raise the bar high. They have the potential. You just have to control environmental influences and nurture personal influences. This will need cooperation from parents, co-servants and clergy. But don't think 2nd graders are too young to learn anything unless we create the environment that says they are too young.
So when teaching a diverse group it is best not to pitch the ball to high. This will embarrass some kids and their parents. It is better to teach them something they can all learn and to give extra work to those with more potential.
Teach them Nefsenti