The sound and us

1. Introduction (5 mins): Explain the purpose of the activity (self-expression through voice, exploring sound and listening together).
2. Sound circle (15 min): The group sits or stands in a circle and each person says her/his name and makes a sound. The next person repeats this and makes her/his own sound and so on, until the end of the circle. The task can omit the names if the participants already know each other. The name can be said in a normal tone before making the sound or the task can be to “sing” one’s name. If one can’t vocalise, it’s OK to write the name out and make a sound using the body or objects/instruments in the room.
3. The conductor exercise (15 min): Participants should choose their own sound using their voice or body parts, different from the previous exercise (e.g. humming, whistling, singing, babbling, clicking, tongue clicking, clapping). They can try it out while walking around the room, then standing with closed eyes, or sitting down. The facilitator then places the group in the form of a choir and explains the rules of the exercise. The facilitator shows hand movements for starting and stopping the sound, as well as making it louder (raising hand) or quieter (lowering hand). The facilitator “conducts” first and then calls upon another person to try. It is done for around 5 to 10 minutes, with 3 to 4 people conducting respectively.
4. Unusual jamming (20 min): The facilitator now invites the participants to find everyday objects in the room, like pencils, cups, papers etc. that can produce a sound. They are divided into two groups and each group organizes their sounds together as a band. They can choose rhythm, volume, and explore them like in a jam session. If needed, the facilitator explains the concept of jamming – freely experimenting with rhythm, volume, and timing to create something together without fixed rules. The groups should listen to each other, explore patterns, and organize their sounds into a short performance. After a bit of “rehearsing”, one group performs with their sound to the other group and vice versa.
5. Emotion Radio (20 min): The group forms a circle again. Now the goal is to produce musical motifs that could represent an emotion. First participants can think a bit about what emotions sound like. The facilitator names various emotions (e.g. fear, anger, sadness, joy) and lets the group harmonize for a bit. They can hum, sing, or make sounds using the objects in the room/instruments.
6. Reflection and evaluation (15 min): After the exercise, participants sit in a circle and briefly reflect on how they feel and how they experienced the exercise.

Reflection Questions:

• • How did you like the activities?
  • How did you connect to others through sound?
  • What did you learn about your emotions by giving them sound?

For evaluation, observe participant engagement and reactions. Collect feedback verbally or via a quick survey.