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Using Movement to Create Mood and Emotions

published on: 2/28/2003

Contributing Teacher(s): Jo Beth Wallace

Subject Area: Fine Arts/Performing Arts/Music, Fine Arts/Performing Arts/Integrated

Grade Range: High School (9-12)

Materials Needed:

• Video Camera (optional),
• Props and costumes provided by student
• Classroom VCR and TV

Objective:

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to create mood through the use of stage movement and blocking
2. Students will begin to work cooperatively with other members of the class to create an artistic concept and performance.

Process Standards:

• Goal 2.1 plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences
• Goal 2.5 perform or produce works in the fine and practical arts
• Goal 4.6 identify tasks that require a coordinated effort and work with others to complete those tasks

Content Standards:

• Fine Arts 1. Process and techniques for the production, exhibition or performance of one or more of the visual ...
• Fine Arts 2. The principles and elements of different art forms

  Time Allowance: 4 days (50-minute class periods)

  Description: Students create a music video to express mood and emotion through looks and gestures.

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  Classroom Component:

  Click here to see the video clip of this lesson.
  INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY:
  
  • Select several different types of music and play short clips for the students while they have their eyes closed. After they have listened to each clip. Ask them to write down the feelings and/or emotions which were created from that piece of music.
  • After doing this, discuss what the class wrote for each one. Follow this by discussing what actions would accompany this mood or emotion. This will lead directly into the assignment below.

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  ASSIGNMENT:
  
  • Get in groups of 3 or 4 people.
  • Select a song of any kind (lyrics must be school appropriate) that conveys a distinct mood.
  • The song must be between 2:30 and 4:00 minutes in length
  • You are responsible for providing your own music, although I will provide players for classroom use.
  • Create a music video which will convey the mood and emotions of your selected music.
  • Begin the creative process by closing your eyes and listening to the selection. Then, brainstorm with your group about what your video will contain.
  • Use all of the principles of stage movement in your video.
  • Everyone in your group must participate equally.
  • You may do a live performance of your video in the classroom, or you may film it and play it back on the performance day (if you have access to video equipment).
  • Be as creative as you can: costumes and props are not required, but will add to your overall presentation.
  • Your video may tell a story, or express an abstract idea or concept. You may have people pretending as if they are singing the song, but it should not take the form of a lip synch contest. Try to be as artistic and creative as possible.
  • You will have 4 days of class time to prepare this, and will present your videos on the 5th day.
  • REMEMBER TO KEEP EVERY PART OF YOUR VIDEO CLEAN!
  THIS ASSIGNMENT IS WORTH 100 POINTS!
  
  

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  MUSIC VIDEO SCORING GUIDE
  
  GROUP NAME: _______________________________________
  
  HOUR: ______________
  
  

  CONTENT WAS APPROPRIATE FOR CLASSROOM	/10
  SONG WAS CORRECT LENGTH	/10
  VIDEO CONVEYED EMOTION AND MOOD OF MUSIC	/20
  VIDEO ADHERED TO ALL PRINCIPLES OF STAGE MOVEMENT	/20
  EVERYONE IN GROUP PARTICIPATED EQUALLY	/10
  SHOWED A CREATIVE/ARTISTIC POLISHED EFFORT	/30
  TOTAL POINTS	/100
  COMMENTS:

  
  
  

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  POST-PERFORMANCE ACTIVITY:
  
  
  STUDENT SELF-ASSESSMENT
  MUSIC VIDEO
  1. Describe, in detail, the process your group used to achieve your final product. Use essay form and be very complete in all of the steps used.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  2. What do you think your group did well in this project?
     
     
     
     
     
     
  3. What could your group have improved upon in this project?
     
     
     
     
     
     
  4. Which video in the class (besides your own) did you like the best and why?
     
     
     
     
     
     
  5. What surprised you the most about the process of this assignment?
     
     
     
     
     
     
  6. What did you dislike the most about this assignment?
     
     
     
     
  
  

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  For additional information contact :
  Jo Beth Wallace
  Camdenton High
  Camdenton R-III
  (573) 346-9232
  EMAIL: jowallace@mail.camdenton.k12.mo.us