For this exercise, teachers can get their students to create a rhythm through only using the capabilities of their bodies. First, a class example can be led through a song then the class can be split up into several groups and assigned a song that they need to create a rhythm to. After deliberation and teamwork, they will present to the class after.
This exercise is a very effective way of getting students to recognize their own bodies and the capabilities that each one of us have. For example, some people can make different sounds with their mouths, whereas others cannot. This activity brings out creativity and it also uses rhythm, as students need to create a pattern to a song. As a music teacher, we can see the potential in our students as well as engaging their minds to think about something creative to do. One application that this activity can help with is an ensemble piece. Let's say that your class/band has an issue with rhythm during a specific section. Rather than just telling your students to learn the rhythms, you can lead them through a body percussion exercise to that section of the piece, enabling them to see a clearer way to learn the rhythms.
This exercise is one that requires a bit of demonstration. Before beginning, all the students should close their eyes and pay close attention to the music. The teacher would play a short excerpt for students while displaying poor posture. After this, the same excerpt would be played again, however, the teacher will now change her posture. Students would then give their opinions on how the music changed, along with what they thought changed. After this demonstration, they would be given a reflection for the next week on their own activities in relation to the different changes they make to their bodies.
For this activity, we are getting our students to become more aware of the actions they do (more specifically to do with music). Within our daily activities, we use different aspects of our body and each movement requires a unique response from our bodies. Through daily reflection of these activities, students can become more aware about how their body works. One popular example of this can be through posture as many people playing in band tend to have problems with. Having students reflect on how their posture affects their playing can help them understand why teachers constantly remind them to sit up straight. Soon, it will become a habit for them to exhibit proper posture, as their bodies will intend to create this action for a more positive outcome of sound.