Objective: Students will demonstrate their understanding of composition by rehearsing a group viewpoint composition.
Materials:
Excerpts from The Viewpoints Book(pgs. 12-13) cut up into small handouts (8—one for each bullet point)
Hook:
Have everyone take out a piece of paper. Have them write down from memory the 9 Viewpoints discussed and explored last time. Give them time to come up with them on their own. If they need more help write the first letters of each of the viewpoints on the board:
T S KR
R G A
D T SR
If they still need help model some physical examples.
Checking for Understanding/Instruction:
Ask for 9 volunteers. Have them all come up and write down one of the 9 viewpoints by the first initial to each one.
T–tempo S–shape KR–kinesthetic response
R–repetition G–gesture A–architecture
D–duration T–topography SR–spacial relationships
Ask for 1-3 volunteers to give an example of each viewpoint. Challenge them by giving them feedback and coaching.
Transition:
Instruct everyone to look under their chairs. 8 students will have excerpts from The Viewpoints Bookunder their chairs. Have them read their excerpts for the class.
As a class come up with a simple definition and explanation of composition. Take key words and phrases from the excerpt to come to a strong understanding.
Practice:
Tell everyone to get into their groups that they chose last class. Assign those that were not in class into a group that they would work well in. Instruct each group to come up with a theme, a subject, a topic that they would like to explore. Explain that these compositions are exploratory—not product based. DO NOT FOCUS ON PLOT! Focus on improv! Have them explore and improvise 9 different times. Each time have them focus on one of the viewpoints while using other viewpoints to help them.
Assessment:
Go around to each group and give them individual feedback. The following principles will be difficult to achieve at first and most of the groups will need to be reminded and instructed on the following:
React with your body not your face
Neutral face
Focus on theme not on plot
Individual creation that mixes with other individuals and creates an ensemble composition.
Do more than talk! Don’t talk about HOW to do it. Talk about WHY.
When you are stuck focus on one or more of the 9 viewpoints.
“Hold on Tightly, Let go Lightly”
Closure:
Have one of the groups that is understanding the concepts and are creating a very exploratory composition to preview for the class. Ask the class what they observed and what principles were implemented.
