Today we had our first session for integrated arts. My understanding of the arts is very little. During primary school, I used to a variety of dance; ballet, tap, jazz and street. As well as playing the double bass for a number of years, playing as part of the North Ayrshire schools orchestra. However by the time I had left primary school I had stopped all of these and was not an avid artist/ drawer. My only current connection to the arts would be music as I listen every day. Starting this module I feel a bit anxious but excited to improve on an area that I would class as a weakness.
Today we had inputs about drama and music. I found the Drama input very useful and thought-provoking. We learned about different Drama Conventions and ‘Tools of the Trade’ in regard to teaching. As the session progressed, I was able to push my self out of my comfort zone and get involved with the different techniques. A drama convention that I found particularly interesting was the ‘Thought Tunnel’ not only can this be used for drama but can be used to spark conversation and debate around topics, I feel this would be very good for discussing controversial topics as it would allow for both perspectives to be seen.
The music input started with the role of music in the curriculum. I must admit that prior to today’s session I would have had a closed mind towards the place music held and now can see that the benefits are much wider and that it is not just singing and playing instruments. We explored one of the main areas of music, Listening. When listening to music we looked at what implicit responses the music gave us. I found it interesting to hear how the same music provoked such different responses from others. To end the session we listened to a piece of music and when it came time to discuss I was surprised at how we all had the same idea just by the music that was played. After today’s session, I am feeling more confident and I’m looking forward to next week.
