[HANASHIR:14565] Re: using instruments

[Judy Ginsburgh <judy...>]

This is perfect advice that Ellen provided about making the most of using 
instruments.  I use this as a technique not only to teach about musical form 
(as Meris suggested) but also to help young children learn how to listen and be 
in control of themselves.  It provides a perfect opportunity also to teach 
about the dynamics of a band or an orchestra.  I hand out the instruments and 
mention that now that everyone has an instrument, we have formed a band.  And 
every band has a boss or a leader -- called the conductor or director.  They 
guess who the leader is -- of course it's the teacher.  Then I use this as a 
time to show them some conducting technique -- play, stop, soft, loud, etc..... 
 They are instructed to watch the conductor and follow their lead.  The 
"cut-off" (or cue to stop) is always important and it is a game to see if 
everyone can stop at the same time so the conductor does not have to "fire 
anyone".

Judy :)
Judy Caplan Ginsburgh, Professional Singer
1999 Louisiana Professional Artist of the Year!
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  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ellen Allard 
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org 
  Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 7:45 AM
  Subject: [HANASHIR:14562] Re: requests


  Dear Beth (and others who work with young children),



  A technique for using rhythm instruments with young children involves songs 
that have two sections, an A and a B section. Once the children recognize the 
two distinct sections (usually either the lyrics tell them which are the two 
different sections or the music is different enough that it helps to 
differentiate the sections), you can assign a group of children to be the 
rhythm band. They are instructed to only play on one of the sections (either 
the A or the B section). Or you can have two different rhythm bands, one plays 
on the A section, one plays on the B section. This helps the children focus and 
pay attention, as they want to make sure to play their instruments at the right 
time. If per chance you have enough instruments for each student, then you can 
have everyone play on one section and keep their instruments VERY still on the 
other section. This does take some work, especially if the children haven't 
worked with rhythm instruments before. There will always be one or more who 
play the instruments when they're not supposed to (either intentionally or 
not), or use them to bop other kids, so you really have to work hard at helping 
them understand your rules when using the instruments. 



  By the way, a song with an A and a B section can simply be a song with verses 
that alternate with the chorus. Or it can be a song that has the form of ABA. I 
can't think of one off the top of my head (too early!). But I think you get my 
drift.



  Good luck!



  All the best,

  Ellen Allard

  Worcester, MA

  -----

  Peter & Ellen Allard

  Specializing in Music for Young Children

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