5 Low-Prep Music Activities Students Love in December
…especially during concert season chaos
December teaching hits differently, doesn’t it? One class is deep in rehearsal mode, the next is missing half the roster because of a field trip, and everyone is a little more… craaaaazy and fidgety than usual.
This is the point in the year when you need lessons that keep your students engaged without asking you to launch a brand-new unit or reinvent the wheel.
Here are five easy, meaningful December music activities your students will love — whether you teach choir or general music — plus a few ready-to-use tools that make this season lighter.
1. Rhythm Warm-Ups and Quick Review Games
December attention spans tend to shrink a bit, which means shorter rhythm activities work beautifully. Try:
Four-beat pattern challenges
Quick clap-back rhythms
Body-percussion echoes
Small-group rhythm creation
These mini tasks are calm, structured, and give you a moment to reset the room before rehearsal or transitions. I also love doing echo games on a delay. Start a body percussion pattern two beats ahead of the class. The class has to echo 2 beats behind you and anticipate what’s next by watching you at the same time.
Classroom companion:
Music Symbols Crossword, Rhythm/Listening sheets, or a Composer Bios Worksheet make perfect extension options for early finishers or independent work moments.
2. Winter-Themed Warm-Ups for Choir
When classes feel choppy, warm-ups become the anchor that keeps rehearsal grounded. A winter-themed round or canon adds a little seasonal sparkle without turning the whole class into a holiday lesson.
Students especially love warm-ups that feel “special” for this time of year. They refocus the room instantly. It’s a big reason why I write so many seasonal warm-ups!
Classroom companion:
Winter Canon – Choir Warmup is an easy win here. If you’re starting from scratch and need fresh warm-ups, Choir Warmup BUNDLE exists for you! Both bring structure to days when the schedule is unpredictable.
3. Movement Moments for Cold-Weather Energy
Indoor recess (or no recess at all) + December energy = A classroom that needs to move. Even older students benefit from 60–90 seconds of structured movement:
Freeze-and-go patterns
Follow-the-beat stepping
Tempo-change activities
Movement mapping to an instrumental piece
These quick movement breaks help students reset their brains and come back ready for real music-making.
Classroom companion:
I really love this Orff inspired movement game!
4. “Concert Mode” Mini Rehearsal Starters
Before diving into repertoire, try opening class with something short and grounding:
A tone-matching challenge
A shared breathing exercise
One phrase sung with exaggerated dynamics (always student-approved)
A quick articulation drill
These routines help students settle in, even if they’re coming from a loud hallway or unpredictable schedule.
Classroom companion:
The Consonant & Vowel Choir Warmup is a great tool for these focused starts - especially on days when you need something reliable and low-prep.
5. Choice Boards & No-Prep Activities for Chaotic Days
December is famous for curveballs — fire drills, assemblies, half classes, and sudden sub needs. Having independent activities ready to go is a lifesaver.
Some of my favorite choices to offer:
Listening reflection - Pick 3-4 choir performance videos and have the kids answer questions for each one. I did this recently for a last minute absence. You can easily do it from home and post on Google Classroom. Try to pick styles that are contrasting.
Simple composer studies
Music history snapshots
Word puzzles or vocabulary review
These build musicianship while giving you the gift of a calm, structured class.
Classroom companion:
I do have a No-Prep Sub Activity Bundle includes favorites and a sub binder template. I worked my butt off last year putting in together and it has definitely paid off. It includes things like:
Music Listening & Reflection Worksheet
Lyric Analysis
Composer Bios Worksheet
Music Symbols Crossword
Choir Word Search
…all perfect for December “I-just-need-something-that-works” days.
And for group fun after the concert? I have a Holiday Choir Game Pack and a Choir Bingo board that are always a hit. They feel festive without needing full lessons.
Final Thoughts
December can be a tricky month, but it doesn’t have to be stressful (okay, it’ll still be stressful…but not AS bad lol). These small, meaningful activities help students stay connected to music and give you space to breathe during one of the busiest times of the year.
You’re doing amazing work. Even when it feels like chaos, the music still matters. 💛