Once upon a time, in my tenth year as a music specialist, I was teaching a class of 3rd and 4th graders. We were about to record a 10 minute piece based on what we learned about form, instrumentation, dynamics, and playing together as a group.
Because the piece would be created on the spot, I thought it was important to review the“frameworks for improvisation” I had developed. They were already being used with success by colleagues at other schools. I was eager to try it out on my students.
There was a particularly imaginative and impulsive child who was quite vocal during our preparation. After class he stayed behind to tell me, “Sheri, I really understand why we needed to go over the rules but sometimes I just need the noise.”
The NOISE. Yes, that was it! That’s exactly what was missing. He defined it so well. The noise IS the creative process. It’s what we experience as we try out new ideas. To truly improvise, we need the noise.
Of course, this moment changed my approach to working with students on their improvisations. The ‘frameworks” still exist but I learned to incorporate the noise. I’ve learned that it takes on different meanings and levels as the child moves through their stages of development.
I hope to share what that looks and sounds like for an LREI student beginning in Early Childhood, moving through Lower and Middle School, and on up to High School.
Stay tuned…
Sheri, thanks so much for adding to this conversation. When I think about the idea of creating space for “noise” in the improvisation process, it makes me think about how we so need to create space for possibilities. I’m reminded of Miles Davis’ quote, “If you hit a wrong note, it’s the next note that you play that determines if its’s good or bad.” I look forward to your future “noise” making in this space.
Sheri, Thanks for contributing to the blog! Your memory of your interaction with this student and his comment about noise is a great illustration of the students themselves being our teachers. We can learn from them what they need from us. Happens all the time, when we pause to listen to them.