Embracing �[Musical] Space�Integrating Music Improv and Composition�to Class Curriculum

Nicholas Felder

The personal viewpoints expressed in this session are solely those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or views of Music Will.

Stretch and Warm-Up!

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Community Agreements

• What do you need in our space to take risks?

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• What sorts of actions or phrases give you courage?

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• How can we create a space that fosters curiosity?

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• What values should we strive to embody to create a safer community?

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Some of my own:

• One person, one mic OR take space, make space
• Respect ideas, support each other – listen first, then respond
• Engage actively with content
• Express yourself, while also being mindful of how your responses affect others
• Have fun and be creative!

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Ostinatos and Word Associations

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Reflection

• What are some initial impressions of these exercises?�
• How do you think the beat influenced the exercise? How you connected with people?

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• Why do you think I had us go through all the ice breakers and warm-ups?

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Some Core Themes

• Centering the body
• We moved through a ritual to come in touch with our bodies
• Centering the body reminds us that rhythm is inherent to people; we just have to listen

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• Child-like play and curiosity

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• Co-creation
• Community agreements

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Stacking Ideas: Making Your Groove

• In small groups (3–4), set your beat and create an ostinato using the rhythmic content of your name
• Choose someone to be the bass, then the middle layer(s), and someone for the top layer�
• Go with the first thing that comes to mind, even if it’s imprecise

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Reflection and Share-Outs

• What was easy about the exercise?�
• What was challenging?�
• What did you learn (from your group and/or other groups) about what it takes to create an effective ostinato groove? What are some best practices? �

• How might this exercise be beneficial to composing? How might it be beneficial to performing? The way you connect in ensemble?

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• Why do you think we used vocal exercises instead of instruments?

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Goals, Mission, and Conclusion

• Call and response, word association games, movement exercises, and self-reflections, to build community
• Value in singing exercises
• Mission: to empower K12 students’ voices and leadership and nurture healing and belonging
• Currently still researching and learning for the healing and belonging piece
• Goal to support youth from various backgrounds, especially youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth, in exploring the full spectrum of their emotions

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Closing Reflection

• In small groups, discuss the following:
• What gave you joy?

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• What risks did you take?

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• How were you curious and courageous?

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• How did you show up as a leader?

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• How can you continue this curiosity and courage after this workshop?

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• Any other takeaways?

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Music Will will make all presentations available after the conference.

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Please be sure to fill out your session evaluation form in the event app.

Contact: nicholas.felder@colorado.edu

The personal viewpoints expressed in this session are solely those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or views of Music Will.