Canon and Unison: Syncing Figures Across Groups

Several groups build the same figure at the same time (unison) or one after another, offset by a few counts (canon), to instrumental music. Students learn to listen for the tempo and coordinate across groups.

How to play

1. Listen to the music (instrumental, royalty-free, with a clear beat) and count eight-count phrases together with claps (4 min).
2. Each group of four sets up a three-person figure plus spotter that builds in eight counts and comes down in another eight (7 min).
3. Unison: four groups in a row do the same figure together. A student observer calls out if anyone is ahead (6 min).
4. Canon: each group starts four counts after the one before, making a "wave" of figures (7 min).
5. Show it to the other half of the class, who say whether the unison or the canon stood out more and why (6 min).

Rules

• The tempo never beats safety: if the figure isn't steady, wait.
• In the canon, each group watches the one before but counts its own beats.
• Keep the music volume moderate so the spotter's calls can be heard.
• At least two meters between groups.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: a partner shows the counts with a raised hand, or use a visual metronome on a tablet.
• Nervous students: act as the unison observer or as the spotter who gives the calls.
• Limited mobility: cues each group's entrance in the canon with a gesture and joins the final figure as a hand-support base.

Learning goals

• Build and take down a figure in time with the music.
• Tell apart and perform unison and canon.
• Coordinate your group with other groups.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym mats: 16
• speaker: 1

Teacher tip

Use royalty-free instrumental music with a clear beat around 100-120 BPM. The usual mistake is rushing the build to stay on the count: a good figure that's late beats a dangerous rush.

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