6th Workshop
Playing in the Same Rhythm
Activity hosted on December 21th by Young Folks youth leaders in Young Folks LV premises
Part 1
Let it start
Objective: The group of 16+ was supposed to play together in one rhythm. This task created sense of security, belonging and group cohesion.
Materials:
2 sticks (pencils) for each participant
comfortable seating arrangement
Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Target Group:
16+ teenagers and young adults
Introduction: (3-5 min)Youth leaders explained the purpose of the activity and the importance of group cohesion. The main thing was not to be shy, because here it is impossible to make a mistake, to do something wrong.
Exploration: (5-10 min)This was the first activity of the session, the warm up. The youth leaders were showing different rhythms, and the group was following them. The leaders were passing the leadership to each other and to the participants with a nod or a glance. The leading role was assumed by the members of the group independently and by their choice.
After the activity the leaders and the participants spontaneously shared their feelings. The first step was the most difficult one and all of them were a bit embarrassed. Surprisingly the no words communication during the activity helped them to overcome the discomfort of the first interaction.
Part 2
Music dialog
Objective: To promote communication, emotional expression, and interpersonal connections among participants through interactive musical dialogue, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
Materials:
A variety of musical instruments (drums, keyboards, guitars, shakers, stics...)
Comfortable seating arrangement
A quiet space conducive to music-making
Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Description:
Introduction: To promote communication, emotional expression, and interpersonal connection through interactive musical dialogue, foster a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment and encourage an open mind set, YF youth workers reminded the participants that there are no right or wrong ways to create music.
Exploration: For the beginning they let the participants freely explore and play the musical instruments and choose one.
Then the participants introduced their musical instruments to the group, playing a short greeting.
Then the youth leader facilitated an instrumental dialogue between the group members. The first participant asked something, using their musical instrument, the second participant answered, then addresed the next participant, etc. The leader was there to ensure that all group members were involved in the activity.
Sharing and Reflection: After this exercise participants discussed their experience, facilitated by YF youth leaders
Reflection Questions
1. How did it feel to communicate through music rather than words? It was wierd at the beginning, then amazingly involving and successful
2. What emotions did you experience during the musical dialogue with others? At first it felt awkward, then more convinient
3. Were there moments of connection or surprise during the interactions? When the strange and disconnected sounds suddenly started making music
4. How can you apply the experiences from this session to your everyday interactions? Communicating with our friends and families we can express ourselves through music
Part 3
Musical improvisation
Objective: The participants explored different music instruments and got engaged in an experience of music creating.
Material:
A variety of musical instruments (e.g., drums, keyboards, xylophones, guitars, shakers)
Comfortable seating arrangement
A quiet space conducive to group music-making
Time Required: Approximately 30 minutes.
Description:
Introduction. (5 - 7 min)The session started with youth leaders explaining the idea and purpose of musical improvisation. They emphasized that the focus should be on expression and collaboration rather than performance.
Exploration Phase. (Approximately 20 min)
The group together chose the theme and emotion to play and the name of improvisation. The leader initiated and the group played together the pre-selected theme on their musical instrument according to their feelings. At first, each participant played individually. Then at some point by the invitation of the leader the other members of the group stepped in one by one, inviting each other, and at some point the whole group managed to play together.
Sharing and Reflection: (15 min)After the improvisation participants shared their experience. Youth leaders initiated the reflection sharing their fears that the participants would refuse to cooperate and activty could fail. The participants told they didn't have any high expectations and hoped at least to have fun. Their success was a huge surpise.
Reflection Questions
1. What emotions did you collectively experience while improvising as a group?Belonginess, connection, confidence
2. How did it feel to create music spontaneously with others? Amazing. Surprising
3. Were there moments during the improvisation that surprised you or your group? We worked as a team, supportive and corageous.
4. What was your favorite part of the group improvisation session? When we played for ourselves and our partners, not for the listeners
5. How can you relate this group musical experience to your daily life or personal challenges? We have more courage and creativity, then we ever new.
