The sound of textures

1. Introduction (5 min): Explain the purpose of the activity (exploring materials and textures though sound, recycled crafting, jointly music making).
2. The sound of textures (15 min): At the beginning of the activity, participants are introduced to the concept, importance, and various types of textures. Textures refer to the perceived quality of an object, experienced through sight or touch. The facilitator explains the difference between visual textures (such as color arrangements, intensities, and brushstroke qualities) and tactile or surface textures (how something feels to the touch), discussing their roles in art, design, and everyday life. Participants then observe and explore various materials by touch, describing their textures using adjectives like smooth, soft, rough, coarse, or glassy. Following this, they are invited to explore how different textures can produce different sounds and how these sounds can be used to express different moods. Each participant demonstrates a texture-related sound, and the group discusses the materials used, how the textures affect us, and how we can creatively use them.
3. Crafting recycled instruments (60 min): Participants are divided into small groups of three and tasked with creating simple percussion instruments using various textures and recycled materials. While each participant builds their own instrument, they collaborate and support one another within their group. The facilitator guides them through the entire process—from brainstorming and design to construction and decoration—encouraging creativity and teamwork throughout.
4. Presentation and jam session (60 min): In this part of the activity, participants present their instruments and demonstrate the sounds they produce. They are encouraged to share their creative process, including which materials they chose and why. They reflect about the used materials, noticing the differences of sound based on texture and how the instrument is played. Following the presentations, the entire group explores their collective sound and engages in a jam session, experimenting with rhythm and attempting to find a shared groove. The facilitator records the session to capture the group’s unique musical expression.
5. Reflection and evaluation (10 min): At the end of the activity, the group gathers in a circle to share their thoughts and reflections. The facilitator poses guiding questions, and participants are invited to raise their hands if they wish to share. To conclude, the facilitator leads a final round in which each participant sums up their experience in one word and/or shares what they are taking away from the activity—what they learned or found meaningful. Participants may take their instruments home or keep them for use in future activities.

Reflection Questions:

• • Was this an interesting way to learn about textures?
  • What was the most interesting part?

For evaluation, observe participant engagement and mood, the way they react to the assignment and how they collaborate in groups. Collect feedback verbally, via a quick survey online or through association cards.