Learning more about rhythm!
Throughout the session we explored more research on the idea of rhythm and to re-fresh our memories we suggested a few things that we had remembered from last weeks session e.g how rhythm gives music a drive and direction, you can create a song without the need for melody or harmony, rhythm can be a form of communication (talking drums/morse code), what certain rhythm styles/performances originate from.
Then, we moved on to share our group rhythmic performances. This is a link to my group's performance https://soundcloud.com/musicianship-1/per-fection-by-curly-twirly
It was great to see how the other group had incorporated a dance element to their piece and I think that they really captured what rhythm is and showed us that music and dance are closely related to one another.
We then began to look at some notation. We looked over the basics so that everyone has an some idea of note lengths and names. Collectively we tried to clap out some of the rhythms given and we noticed one problem, when clapping out a rhythm you can't hold a note on, so we then realised this must be the same for using some percussion instruments.
Later on in the session we looked at various videos that used rhythm. Here are my notes:
'Brooms' from Stomp
Scenery is urban - looks natural and easy to watch
Acting to the audience and making them feel involved
Using different parts of the broom to make different sounds
Rhythm slowly builds up throughout the piece
Adding more people with brooms as the piece goes on
Adding voice (based on everyday chat)
The sigh (pause/break) in the middle of the song gives some texture and effect
Unison sections are effective because it contrasts the rest of the piece
They made it visually appealing (the cannon etc)
Microphones are at the front of the stage - hierarchy of sounds
Massive performance element
Nice combination of loud and soft
Structurally interesting
Their use of silence is a good way to grab attention
Keeping people interested and holding attention so not to switch off
Cups (Spring 2012) - THUD
Visually effective not only with sound but with hands as well
High comedic value (having a drink in the middle of the piece)
Look like they are having fun
Sense of structure
A little bit too long
Rhythmically, needed more added to make it interesting and more enjoyable/exciting to watch
Good use of call and response
Then progressed to using two cups which was exciting
As a group we watched a Samba video and jotted down lots of ideas for when we make our Samba piece. I noted:
Dancing
Bright colours
Pauses
Unison rhythms
Contrasting rhythms and sounds
Solo sections
High pitched at some points
A build of sounds
Fast paced
Exciting
Performance
Choreography
Conductor/leader
Changing beats
Pauses
Mix up of tempo
Bouncy
People playing different instruments and rhythms
Making the audience feel involved
Energy
Later after watching the Samba video we were given some Samba music notation to distribute parts and perform at the end of the lesson. This was difficult at first because we had to make sure we were reading the rhythms correctly and in sync with others playing synchronising parts. Eventually we learnt these rhythms and then added performance and some basic movement! It was also a lot of fun.
For next week, we are creating a 'junk percussion' instrument in groups and presenting in lesson!
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