Experiential learning
Activity 1
Task 1
Set a steady pulse or tempo for each clap.
Follow the dynamic markings as you clap.
By clapping 8 times for each dynamic, you will clap 64 times in total.
Task 2
Select a short piece of music with varied dynamics.
Devise a graphic method of showing the changes in dynamics. You can use the x-y chart template or invent your own graph.
Describe your graphic and explain how it represents dynamics and sound.
Task 3
Ask someone to play an instrument. Ask them to demonstrate and explain some expressive techniques on their instrument. Examples include:
slap, bass and tone on djembe
plucking violin strings versus bowing the strings; double stopping; harmonics; playing with a mute
playing a woodwind instrument with a straight tone versus vibrato
playing a brass instrument softly, with and without a mute
tonguing a woodwind or brass instrument with a clear attack or accent
slurring a phrase
playing a phrase staccato
flutter tonguing on the flute
guitar hammer-ons, pitch bends and slides
trills and glissando on piano
tremolo on glockenspiel
drum rolls and rim shots on snare drum.
