Body Percussion Intro

Lesson 5

In this final lesson, students will bring together everything they have learned throughout the unit by rehearsing and performing their original body percussion compositions. Working in groups, they will refine their use of ostinatos, body percussion techniques, and ensemble performance skills before sharing their completed pieces with the class. Students will also revisit Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King, combining their efforts in a whole-class performance that showcases their timing, confidence, coordination, and understanding of rhythm, repetition, and musical structure.

Preparation:

  • Check and watch each of the video links and check they work and you understand each task.

  • Lessons involve movement so ideally a sports hall with the ability to project the videos.

  • Have the workbooks and pens/pencils available for each member of the group.

  • Make sure the students have a way of playing tracks to accompany body percussion performances.

  • Make sure you have a recording device to record performances and think about whether you want to invite a live audience.

Activity 3 - Performance Ready!

Body Percussion Performance check - 5 mins

Before the performance, spend a few minutes rehearsing your body percussion piece and making any final improvements.

  • Revisit your composition plan in Workbook Section 5.

  • Rehearse your performance from start to finish.

  • No time for final changes, just be confident.

  • Practise any sections that still feel unsure.

  • How do you know when to start and finish?

Remember: if a mistake happens, keep going, stay together, and maintain the pulse. The most successful performances are confident, energetic, and performed as a team.

Activity 2 - Recap

Body Percussion for Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King– 5 mins

A recap of In the Hall of the Mountain King in preparation for a performance in lesson 5.

  • Briefly look at the notation and practice the pattern once through without the music.

  • You can then choose to play either the Rob’s Kitchen play along version starting at 6:07, or if the group are feeling ambitious try playing along with just the music in the second video.

Activity 1 - Warm up

Hand clapping pattern – 5 mins

Try out this clapping pattern shared by some young people from the Youth Orchestra of Lós Angeles. The pattern starts simple but then each time it repeats students have to remember to do each action an extra time and also see how fast they can do it.

  • Watch the video once before joining in.

  • Watch a second time and join in.

  • Try without the video.

Activity 3 - Performance

Body Percussion Performances - 20 mins

Students will now have the opportunity to perform their original body percussion compositions and share their work with the rest of the class.

  • Create a performance space where each group can be clearly seen and heard.

  • Remember to record each performance.

  • Invite each group to perform their body percussion piece from start to finish, demonstrating their use of ostinatos, body percussion sounds, and ensemble performance skills.

  • Encourage performers to maintain a steady pulse, perform confidently, and stay coordinated as a group.

  • The audience should watch carefully and think of one star (something they enjoyed or thought was successful) and one wish (a suggestion for further development).

  • After each performance, invite a few audience members to share positive and constructive feedback.

Whole-Class Performance: In the Hall of the Mountain King

To conclude the unit, perform the class body percussion arrangement of Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King together.

  • Focus on accurate rhythms, strong ensemble coordination, and clear body percussion sounds.

  • Pay attention to how the music gradually builds in tempo and excitement.

  • Perform with energy, confidence, and commitment, celebrating everything you have learned about body percussion, ostinatos, and ensemble music-making.

Activity 4 - Reflection

Body Percussion: Reflection & Review – 5 mins

Ask the group to discuss the last five lessons with a talking partner. Use Section 6 of the workbook to record your thoughts and reflections.

Consider the following questions:

  • What were your strengths during this unit?

  • What body percussion skills have you improved the most?

  • What did you find challenging about performing body percussion?

  • What have you learned about ostinatos, rhythm, and ensemble performance?

  • Which activity or performance did you enjoy the most and why?

  • If you were creating another body percussion piece, what would you do differently?

  • Can you identify three things you would like to improve in future performances?

  • Finally, ask each student to share one reflection or achievement from the unit with the rest of the class.