We do staff wars at the end of class. You can download it on Apple or Android products. We give the students score sheets so that everyone can participate, not just the person on the app.

We also use Darcy Williams Count Me In! and the students enjoy doing the rhythm duets and trios with nonsense syllables.

I feel like I could be considered a "hard teacher" as well but I'm always emphasizing how far the students have come in such a short time. eg. reading music in just 2 days or 3 days or work. We are always applying our count-tap-clapping and note identification to real snippets of music--the kids feel like they are achieving something real.

Emphasize their accomplishments and throw in a few of those fun things. If you want them singing and working on their aural skills, give them some kazoos. They'll have fun I promise.