Workshop Year 9

In studying Year 9's it is really hard to pin point what they are interested in. In asking them what they were interested in most of them said not necessarily music. In this I decided to design a workshop that doesn't focus on harnessing skills more on having fun musically.

Starter:
We would play a game called introduce yourself. This is where you play a beat with your hands and say your name. So we went around in a circle doing this and asking other questions. Such as, favourite instrument, favourite colour and food etc.

Strengths: This enable us to get to know them and them us whilst incorporating a musical element.

Weaknesses: When not musically inclined it is hard to keep the same pace. To ensure that this doesn't happen we will have our drummer keeping a basic beat.

The Conductors Game is where you can have as manner teams as you want (I usually pick 4) I give them a word and when i point at the team they have to say it as loudly and on time. I usually use the North, South, East and West. This will improve children's timing and volume. I chose this activity as it is a nice ice breaker again allowing children to be loud in a controlled environment and for them to be become more comfortable with us as we will be getting involved also.

However.

This game has no musical relevance. So through the use of my team mate who is skilled in beat boxing will then take over and make them use sounds a replicate the game.

I believe that the Conductor Game will be quite useful in getting the children to engage with the activity a further activities as it isn't them doing anything on their own its all as a collective so they will feel more comfortable. However I run this risk of the children not understanding the game so to rectify it I will use the other people helping me in the workshops as example so that the children don't get confused.

Main:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErnWmYOX2Dk 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeZXQf77hhk 
In this activity I would ask the group to assume an identity. For example, a Disney character etc. They would then pick an opponent out of a hat. They will then be given up to 15 minutes to create some lyrics 'dissing' their opponent. The beat they will use will be playing in the background which they should follow. If they wish to perform their pieces we will set it up like a Rap Battle.

Strengths: Many children at this age a really interested in rap music and it doesn't require much talent just a basic understanding of rhythm. So it will be quite easy to execute.

Weaknesses: Some children may seem nervous and not want to perform. A way of calming their nerves would be for us to give an example using ourselves.

Finish:
Would be a simple drum circle incorporated with a call and response. We'd each have an hand beaten drum. The drummer in our group will present a beat which we need to follow. This would be done until everyone has had the chance to initiate the call and response.

Strengths: A nice way to wine down with music.

Weaknesses: N/A maybe not enough drums