Loud, Soft, Fast and Slow

The session began by everyone getting acquainted with the instruments; the music therapist ran a brief demonstration of the instruments and everyone played different sounds with energy, joy and enthusiasm. The group then began a few warm up games using clapping. There was lots of smiling and laughter throughout the games as players tried to stay on track with their claps. The group then requested to dive into music making with the instruments. Each participant chose an instrument and the group engaged in a group improvisation. In the verbal debrief that followed, one group member shared that it was fun to play with others and that the music sounded pretty. 

The group then played a second improvisation; this time group members were invited to take a solo on an instrument of their choice. Every single group member decided to take a solo during the piece. Participants played enthusiastically and expressively during their solos. We then moved into a leadership exercise using music conducting. Each group member had the opportunity to play the role of music conductor with the group, there were four cues: louder, quieter, faster and slower, with corresponding gestures. As the group was led by each conductor, group members laughed and played alongside the respective directions. 

We then played a short bell choir exercise where each group member played a colourful bell with a specific note in the musical scale. The group played the bells together to create different chord progressions and patterns. 

To conclude, group members chose to do a singing exercise and a listening exercise. Group members engaged in a call and response game where they sang four different phrases and everyone repeated them back while playing different instruments. Finally, one group member chose a favourite song for the group to listen to to end the session.