Jenny Cervini –

John D. Parker P.S.

Debbie Jonas –

Howard P.S.

Linda Umezawa –

Garden Avenue P.S.

Developing Creativity Using Vocal Improvisation and Graphic Notation

“The Beatles made it look so easy.”

Video: Four Seasons Vocal Improvisation with ‘Gymnopedie’

Backbone

Project Overview

Part A: Vocal Improvisation

-Vocal Exploration games (Friesen activities)-Creation of whole group improvisation using ‘Time’

theme (Wiegold Backbone)

-Creation of small group improvisations using ‘Four Seasons’

theme (Gymnopedie Backbone)

-Ongoing videotaping of student work and student reflections-Self-evaluations using Success Criteria

Project OverviewPart B: Composition and Notation-Notation Exploration games (‘Vocal Vibes’

Bridges)

-Whole group demonstration of notation for Time composition-Small group opportunities to create notation for Four Seasons compositions-Student sharing of group notation with replaying of videos-Self-

and Peer-

evaluation

The Long and Winding Road....

A.Student EngagementDid they really learn anything?

Musical Learning-expanded confidence with vocalizing-improved understanding of the elements of music-developed understandings of process for composingNon-Musical Learning-increased concentration, teamwork, confidence and problem solving skills-improved social skills

B. Teacher EngagementDid we really learn anything?

Assessment and Evaluation-Benefits of Success Criteria-Student feedback-Self-evaluation-Descriptive feedback

Shaping the Activities-Abbreviation-Extensions-Banning wind-Brainstorming-Vocal warm-ups

Here Comes the Sun...

Next Steps-Extend notation to include regular notation-Extend improvisation to develop pitch singing-Change composition of groups and add more structure if engagement is affected by group and student dynamics-Include movement components to strengthen student responses-Encourage vocal exploration from Kindergarten onwards-Include more student-centered activities throughout music program

THANK-YOU!