Snowflakes Lesson Extension
Create a “snowflake dance”
- Begin class with a “piano story” that explores the motions of floating, twirling, and whirling. Be sure to improvise in a compound meter.
- Show images of different patterned snowflakes making mention that no two are the same!
- Split the class into groups of 3 to 5 students, suggesting that each represents a snowflake.
- Introduce the concept of locomote and non-locomote. Corresponding to the form of the song, AABA ask students to create two different shapes they like.
- Students choose which phrase, locomotes or non-locomotes, according to the AABA form.
- Suggest dancers consider different high, medium, and low levels for their snowflake movement.
- Snowflake dances are performed one group at a time with each improvisation. (see below)
Improvisation
- Brainstorm a list of words having to do with playing in the snow.
For example:
sledding
snowball fights
ice skating
skiing
making a snowman
snow angles
- Students choose 3-4 words to create a chain that will fit into 2 measures of 6/8 time. Encourage the word chain to be repeated 4 times. For example:
- Students practice their snow-play rhythms on B.P.
- Discuss the choices the group has with presenting: all in unison? Or separate measures or beats?
- Transfer to un-pitched percussion, being thoughtful of instrument choices (maybe finger cymbals, triangles, claves, etc.)
Melodic Improvisation
- Using rhythm from their created word chain, repeated 4x, students create improvised melodies.
- Tell students their melody must start on F (the song’s key), end on F, and play F a lot.
- Encourage step-wise motion with small skips followed by a step.
“Road Map”
- Create a final form or “road map” of all the components you’ve used from the above choices.
* Possible 2nd verse:
“Snowflakes twirling, soft and light,
Dancing gently through the night.
Each one sparkles, no two the same,
Winter whispers call their name.”