ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the interrelationship between the two principal ideas of rhythm and words, and explores the musical possibilities of the body as a musical instrument through the integration of movement, sound and silence and, in doing so, bringing new power to language and the meaning it makes. Words and sentences change meaning and impact through their presentation and interpretation: try saying a sentence emphasising different words each time. Body percussion is one of the oldest forms of human communication, used by cultures around the world in ceremonies, celebrations and as part of everyday life. Under the direction of a class leader, groups then performed their rhythms individually and together, listening to and watching how different combinations of rhythms fitted together. The leader also used hand gestures to signal ‘words only’ or ‘body percussion only’, and to vary dynamics, texture and, as a finale, a quicker tempo.
