I love chanting.
It gets me in the meditative zone that sometimes sitting in still silence doesn't get me to.
I love chanting in class.
The collective sound and feeling grounds our energies and unifies our spirits.
However, I do think it's important to know what you are chanting.
When I take a class and hear a new chant that is not explained and don't understand, I won't take part. Why would I. I could be saying anything!
To create a feeling of community in a class, understand what, how and why you are chanting a mantra.
When alone and creating your connection to the universe, it's important to me to know what and who I am singing to.
Here are some great chants from simple to advanced that you might find yourself doing in class. These may or may not be explained in the class you are attending.
Try on one or a few and see which ones resonate within.
If you aren't chanting these mantras in class, try chanting them while driving or washing the dishes or while you are in the shower.
You will find a feeling of peace come over you, within you and create calm and peaceful energy outside of you.

Aum/Om - affirming the divine presence that is the universe. The unification or thread that links us all. The original and most powerful mantra. The primal sound of the universe in its essential manifestation.

So hum, hum sa - I am that, that is me. We are one. A meditation for just being.

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti - Peace, peace, peace

Om Namah Shivaaya - I bow to the Lord Shiva, the peaceful one who embodies all and is the creator of the universe.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu- May all the beings in all the world be peaceful and happy and free and may the thoughts and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.

Om Swayam Sresh-thaya Namaha (om swah-yahm shresh-tah-yah nah-mah-hah) Mantra for excellence. Om and salutations to my inner state of excellence. Bring your everyday self in alignment with your higher self which is already perfect as a reflection of the divine.

Gayatri Mantra
Om Bhur bhuvas svaha
Thath savithur varaynyam
Bhargo dheyvasya dhimahih
Dhyoyonah pratchodhay-yath

Hear it here...
http://www.esnips.com/doc/78b94257-07a9-458c-aa16-a04293e30bb1/Gayathri-Mantra-Ghana-Patha----Srivatsa-Ramaswami

On the absolute reality and its planes, on the finest spiritual light, we meditate, as remover of obstacles that it may inspire and enlighten us.
We worship the word that is present in the earth, the heavens and that which is beyond. By meditating on this glorious power that gives us life, we ask that our minds and hearts be illuminated.

Sa Ta Na Ma-Kundalini Meditation meaning totality, creation, dissolution, regeneration. (rhythmically tap the thumbs and fingers of each hand in the rhythm of the mantra.

Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha- Ganesha mantra. For seen or unseen obstacles which seem to be standing in the way of your general or specific progress or achievement.

Om Shrim Klim Maha Kaxmieh Swaha - Laxmi Mantra- abundance for you and for all

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo - Buddhist mantra of devotion to the mystical law of cause and effect.
For improving health, happiness, wisdom and compassion. To manifest enlightenment in our lives and potential as individuals to create thriving and peaceful lives.

Be good to yourselves, drink lots of water and call your mother.
Shanti, Om,
Laurie