Body Percussion: Peer Assessment with Eyes Closed
Groups perform the body percussion piece they created, and half of the audience assesses it with eyes closed or blindfolded, listening only to the sound: rhythmic accuracy, dynamics and clean entrances. Separating what is seen from what is heard lets each group find out whether their piece sounds as good as it looks.
How to play
- Explain the three sound criteria on the sheet (steady beat, contrast in volume and clean entrances) and do an example with the whole class (4 min).
- Each group of five rehearses its 16-bar piece one last time (4 min).
- Performances: half of the audience listens with eyes closed and scores the sound; the other half watches and scores visual coordination (10 min).
- Each group gets both sheets and looks for differences between what was seen and what was heard (3 min).
- Repeat the 30-second section with the biggest differences after fixing it, and wrap up (4 min).
Rules
- Listeners with eyes closed stay seated and still.
- Body hits are firm but never painful, especially on the chest.
- Keep silence between groups so the next one can start from the beat.
- Comments describe the sound (rushing, losing the beat) and do not judge the person.
Variations
Easier
Shorten the piece to 8 bars and assess only the beat.
Standard
A 16-bar piece assessed by blind listening and by visual observation.
Harder
Add one bar of solo improvisation and a criterion for balance between voices.
Adaptations
- Visual impairment: serves as lead sound assessor and, in their group, relies on a partner's touch for entrances.
- Hearing impairment: performs by feeling the floor vibration and assesses only the visual part.
- Noise sensitivity: sits farther from the stage and may use soft ear protection.
Learning goals
- Perform a group rhythm piece accurately.
- Tell apart the sound quality and the visual quality of a composition.
- Give and receive descriptive, respectful feedback.
Equipment for a class of 25
- worksheets: 30
- pencils: 30
- speaker: 1
- blindfolds: 15
Teacher tip
Use a metronome for the beat only during rehearsal and remove it for the performance. Do not make anyone wear a blindfold: closing the eyes is enough.
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