We sing and count the rhythmic lines after discussion about the rhythmic language and notation. The last quarter of the year we compose our own music and perform it. I give the class a page of rhythmic lines each four to eight measures long. We discuss word division, strong beats in a measure to stress a word in the text, increase vocabulary by finding better words for literary and musical meaning and using the melody to stress a word or feeling. The kids write for the voice.
Instrumentalists play their meoldy on their instruments.
I allow no comments about any piece done by the kids until it has been practiced and presented more than six times. Then the only allowed comments are positive suggestions for improvement. The classes have been mature enough to follow these rules in the past. When someone writes their feelings, nothing hurts like laughing and personal comments. In the middle of the table are spoons, one fewer than there are players.