Composition

and

Performance

Composition and performance can be incorporated into camp events using the card decks from different Whirligig games.

• Each team is dealt Rhythm Riot, Space Place and/or NoteWordy cards which are then used to compose or improvise a melody.
• Depending on which game cards you choose, you could focus on different aspects of composition.

Triple Threat Tiles can be used for composition as well. Students draw a tile and have the choice of using the key signature on either end of the tile for the tonality of the piece.

Players can earn extra points by:

• Identifying tonic, dominant, subdominant notes, etc. in the key they have chosen.
• Performing that scale with correct fingering.
• Playing the I, IV, V7 chords in that key.
• Identifying the relative major or minor  for their chosen key.

Rhythm

Rhythm Band

• Teams are dealt two cards from the Rhythm Riot deck at the appropriate level (please note: the cards should all be the same time signature).
• Each team must perform their two-measure rhythm.
• Teams or individuals get extra points if they are able to perform their rhythm combination correctly on the first try.  If unable to perform correctly on the first try, they continue until they are able to correctly perform their rhythm (the object is to be able to gain an ability to recognize and perform rhythms with ease).
• The camp director or leader spins the tempo spinner included in the Rhythm Riot game and sets the metronome to the indicated tempo. 
• The leader then sets the tempo by performing one measure of quarter notes after which the teams each perform their own practiced rhythm combinations at the same time.
• This performance could continue as long as the leader wishes.

Drum Circle
Camp may be a great time to try out the fun of a drum circle. Whether this is the first time for your group to try a drum circle, or it is something that has been done on a regular basis, the relaxed and fun atmosphere of camp makes this a perfect activity!  Rhythm Riot cards can be the basis for the activity.

• Two cards are dealt out to each performer or team.  This becomes the rhythm combination that they will use for the activity.
• Since each team (or player) has a two measure rhythm to perform, time is allotted for each team to practice the rhythm without the whole drum circle. Teams or individuals get extra points for performing their rhythm combination correctly on the first try.
• Each team or player demonstrates the rhythm combination for the group before everyone performs their own rhythm together.
• One team or player is chosen to begin the performance.  After four measures, the next team is added.  Each subsequent player or team is added every four measures until the whole group is performing.
• The camp leader chooses the length of the performance and begins to indicate which performer(s) begin to “drop out” until only one player (or team) is left performing.
• Teams collect points for performing accurately throughout the length of the performance.

Rhythm Dictation

• A Rhythm Riot card is drawn from the deck.
• The leader performs the rhythm on the card.
• Each player must write the rhythm on a sheet of paper that has been provided.
• After ten cards are performed, each player gets points for every correct rhythm written on his paper.

Note Names

Active Relay Competition
Preparation:  Compile a list of words using only the letters from the music alphabet.  Give a copy of the same list to each team. Gather small pieces that can be used as markers on the piano keys. Be sure to use playing pieces that are large enough not to slip between the piano keys. Things like Skittles or M&Ms work well and can be used as a treat when the game is over.

• Each relay team consists of 3 players. 
• Player 1 spells out the words on the list, one at a time, using the card deck from the NoteWordy game.
• Player 2 must identify each note to determine the word spelled and proceed across the room to the piano.  Player 2 then places markers on the keyboard in to spell the word (note: the word must be spelled correctly from left to right on the keyboard).
• Player 3 then writes the word that has been spelled out on the keys, on his/her sheet of paper.

The winning team is the one who relays the most correct words in a predetermined amount of time.  All of this must be done in silence.  Any team speaking or making any noise is disqualified or loses points.

Terms

and Symbols

Fishing Tournament

This contest can involve each player identifying all of the symbols on his or her Legato Lake game board without help.

• Bonus points can be given for students as they progress through advancing levels.
• As each symbol is called out by the game leader, players can earn extra points for volunteering a fact about the symbol. For example, a quarter note symbol could be explained by a player saying that it gets one beat.

Key Signatures

Tournament of Champions

• Students must first play the Triple Threat Tiles Sharps Edition, then the flats edition, and finally a combination set of both of the key signature games.
• Extra points can be awarded for students who are able to do the combined set including parallel/relative/enharmonic keys.

Student

Helpers

Get Everyone Involved!

Game groups can be lead by older students who fill the positions of game moderators.  They will be in charge of making sure that notes, intervals, rhythms, key signatures, etc. are correctly identified, and of keeping score. In this way, teachers can insure that the older students know the information and must gain total mastery of their game concept.

Camp Themes

With the excitement of this summer's Beijing Olympics it would be an ideal time to bring the international festivities into your music camp.

• Participants can be representatives of existing countries, or can establish their own country to "call home" (such as Legatoland).
• Students within one studio can form teams and compete, or several studios could compete with each studio representing a "country".