Bring the music to life with this fun Dare to Do Right Drum Pattern idea! This living music activity (archives) is a great way to get everyone involved and engaged in singing time!
In this post, I’ll share simple drumming patterns for the verse and chorus of this song that your primary kids are sure to love! You’ll find a full outline for this pattern, a printable guide, and a demonstration video to help you prep for this activity!
Dare to Do Right Drum Pattern
Have you ever created your own drums in singing time? Don’t worry, you won’t be needed a drum set or even drum sticks for this activity! These patterns will work great using hymnbooks or even just using your lap or seat as a drum.
Start by singing through the first verse of Dare to Do Right (flip chart here) at the beginning of singing time. Have the children focus on the rhythm or flow of the song.
Then, demonstrate a simple version of the drum pattern by patting your knees quickly 3 times, followed by a hard thump as you sing, “Dare to do right!” Can you try it with me? Use this pattern for the first two phrases!
As you sing the third line, pat your knees on every syllable, followed by a big thump for the word, “Do.” The next two lines simply repeat the rhythms you’ve already done! This is the basic pattern for the verse, except that we’ll be alternating right and left hands.
Post the drum pattern for the verse on the board. Try alternating hands and following along with the pattern as you sing. Have you got the hang of it yet?
Let’s try the chorus! For this pattern, you’ll alternate hands as fast as you can to create a “roll” sound as you sing, “Dare!” Then, repeat the soft – soft – soft – hard pattern as you sing, “Dare to do right” and “Dare to be true.”
For the last two phrases of the song, alternate hands on each word, ending with both hands as you singthe word , “true.”
Post the chorus pattern and follow along with the color-coded pattern. Then, try the entire drum pattern as you sing the full verse!
Drum Pattern Guide:
I’ve included a full outline of the drumming patterns below. In this pattern, you’ll notice that the harder hits will be used for words/notes that are emphasized at the end of phrases. Shorter words will get a steady hit with either right or left hand.
Check out my demonstration video later in this post and be sure to grab the printable pattern for a color-coded version that will help you stay on track!
Verse Pattern (Repeat 2X)
(Right Hand) Soft – Soft – Soft – Hard
(Dare / to / do / right) (Stand / by / your / conscience)
(Left Hand) Soft – Soft – Soft – Hard
(Dare / to / be / true) (Hon / – or / your / faith)
Right – Left – Right – Left – Right – Left – Right – Left – Right – Both
(You / have / a / work / that / no / other / can / do)
(An / – gels / will / has / – ten / the / sto / – ry / to / tell)
Chorus Pattern:
Fast Roll – (Right Hand) Soft – Soft – Soft – Hard
(*Dare, Dare, Dare / to / do / right;)
Fast Roll – (Right Hand) Soft – Soft – Soft – Hard
(*Dare, Dare, Dare / to / be / true!)
Right – Left – Right – Both (REPEAT 2X)
(Dare / to / be / true, dare / to / be / true)
Extension Activities:
- Split the class into 2 groups. Have one group sing and play the verse pattern and have the other group sing and play the chorus pattern. Then, have them switch!
- Start with a simple long-short-short-long pattern that follows the natural rhythm of the song. Add alternating hands for a smoother transition into this pattern.
- For a little challenge, have one side of the room drum on all the “Right” drums and have one side drum on all the “Left” drums. Have both sides drum for “fast roll” and “both hands”
- See what other fun rhythms the kids can come up with! Have each class come up with their own pattern for the verse or chorus. Then, have them teach their pattern to the class. This is a great way to get in lots of song practice!
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Follow the Prophet Drum Patterns singing time activity!
Dare to Do Right Drum Pattern Demo Video!
Make your singing time prep even easier by watching this demonstration video! In this video, I’ll explain the simple rhythm pattern created for the verse and chorus of this song. Just grab the printable guide below and try this fun drumming pattern with me!
–> Dare to Do Right Drum Pattern Demo Video <–
Dare to Do Right Drum Pattern Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a color-coded, 4-page pattern with 2 pages for the verse and 2 pages for the chorus.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including 1-page, 2-page, larger pattern guide, and drum pattern cards. You’ll find these bonus files included when Dare to Do Right is the featured song of the month.
Get more out of singing time with the INSTANT Primary Singing membership that includes printable lesson plans, tons of extended printables and an ad-free experience for each featured song of the month, or get immediate access to the entire song list for the year!
Learn more about INSTANT Primary Singing membership options here!
Have questions or need more help, see this FAQ page here.
Head over to this Dare to Do Right Compare & Contrast activity for unique way to review the lyrics by comparing word pairs!
What other fun ways will you use this drumming activity in your Primary room?
