Marco Polo
About:
This game is a particular version of 'Call and Echo'. It is easy to play. Most kids know the swimming pool game, 'Marco Polo'. In the swimming pool version, one person calls 'Marco' and everyone else answers, 'Polo'. A strength of this game is that it limits the choices. In regular 'Call and Echo', some students get overwhelmed by what they should play if they are doing the 'Calls'. By restricting their choices, they can often be freer to play with inflection, dynamics, nuance, and contacting their partner.
Purpose of this Lesson:
Purpose is to hear the specifics of the call,
tempo, dynamics. And by just using two notes, there
are many less choices to make.
Develop leadership
Develop flow
Develop listening, attending
Prerequisite:
Sticks Ready. Be a able to attend to the start of a piece.
Sticks Asleep. Be a able to attend to the end of a piece.
Directions:
"Who knows the game Marco Polo?"
Either have two players( a leader and the follower)
or a leader and the group.
The lead person says 'Marco' while he plays two
notes. The follower person or the whole group, says
'Polo' while echoing what the lead/'Marco' person
played. Particularly attend to the dynamics and
tempo.
It is good to accentuate small and large movements.
Loud and soft. Fast and slow.
Use top, edge and side.
Glitches:
- Student repeat "Marco" rather than replying "Polo".
- Have assistant model the correct reply.
- Student play something different with their sticks than they say with their voice.
- [].
Needs Met:
Making Social Connection
Neuroscience and Psycho-Physiology Basis:
[text]
?Peak State
Extensions:
If using a bucket drum, put it on a stand and have players play standing up.
Play "My Drum"
Watermelon
One Two
Three - Back and Forth