Lessons With Shana

Let’s be honest—sometimes the best vocal warm-ups are the ones that make your students laugh and sing better at the same time.

That’s exactly what you’ll get with Steve’s Lava Chicken, a delightfully ridiculous 4-part warm-up that’s become a fast favorite in my classroom. Yes, it’s silly. Yes, your students will crack up. And yes, it absolutely works.

In my latest YouTube video, I break it down so you can try it with your choir—whether you teach elementary, secondary, or even community groups. It’s a goofy name with serious musical benefits!

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🐣 What is “Steve’s Lava Chicken”?

It’s a 4-part vocal warm-up built around layered nonsense syllables and gestures. Each part stacks on the previous one, challenging your singers’:
    •    ❗ Focus
    •    🧠 Memory
    •    👂 Listening skills
    •    🧘‍♀️ Ensemble coordination

It’s part vocal exercise, part brain game, and totally addictive. Think of it like the musical version of pat-your-head-rub-your-belly—plus chicken noises.

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🤔 Quick Note on Lyrics

One of the parts includes the line “It’s Tasty as Hell!” While older students usually find it hilarious, you might want to swap out the word “hell” for something more age-appropriate if you’re working with younger singers. Try “So tasty I’ll yell!” or “It’s Tasty and Swell!”—it keeps the rhythm intact and the mood light-hearted.

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🎤 Why Use a Silly Warm-Up?

Letting your students be goofy for a minute is not a waste of time—it’s a reset. Fun warm-ups like this:
    •    Build community and laughter in your ensemble
    •    Wake up the brain and body
    •    Reinforce part independence and rhythmic layering
    •    Help even shy singers feel more confident participating

Plus, once students learn all four parts, you can mix it up with solos, small groups, or even competitions. It’s flexible, fast-paced, and fun.

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📺 Watch the Video & Try It Today

Want to bring the chaos and joy of Lava Chicken into your next rehearsal?

👉 Watch the video now: Steve’s Lava Chicken 4-Part Warm-Up

Your students will be singing “ba-bawk!” all week—and they’ll be better musicians for it.

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💬 I’d love to hear from you!

Have you tried this warm-up in your classroom? What’s your go-to silly-but-effective vocal warm-up? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media when you try it out!