Groove and Solo: The Base Holds, the Soloist Plays

In body percussion groups, most players hold a repeating groove while one person improvises eight counts in the middle. It builds creativity, listening and support for whoever is in the spotlight.

How to play

1. Groups of seven in a circle. Learn a two-bar groove with feet, thighs, chest and claps (6 min).
2. Solo turns: one person steps into the middle and improvises eight counts over the groove, then steps back as the next comes in (8 min).
3. Dynamics: one person conducts with an arm and the groove gets louder or softer without changing tempo (5 min).
4. Final piece: groove, back-to-back solos with no gaps and a shared silent ending (6 min).

Rules

• The groove never stops: it's the soloist's safety net.
• A solo can be very simple; repeating one move with intent counts.
• Anyone who doesn't want to go solo can go as a duo.
• Every solo gets applause, no negative comments.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: stand facing the groove leader to follow the beat visually.
• Wheelchair users: groove and solo using hands, chest and voice.
• Students with stage fright: improvise from their spot in the circle instead of the middle.

Learning goals

• Hold a body percussion ostinato as a group.
• Improvise a short phrase over a groove.
• Support a classmate in the spotlight.

Teacher tip

Take the first solo yourself, keep it simple and miss something: it drops the pressure instantly. If the groove speeds up during solos, give one person the job of feet only, as the metronome.

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