Carol of the Bells by George Winston

Coaching Notes:

Pre-Teach: no Focus: internal Purpose: To articulate finger movements. Hand dexterity

Begin by asking them to imagine they are playing a piano. Begin with fingers and wrists, asking them to explore the space around their bodies. Continue by inviting them to explore different levels, tempos, using the floors, walls, etc. and allowing the music to inspire the way they move/play with each layer of music. You can suggest they try balancing on one foot, maybe allowing their eyes to follow their fingers as they move. Since they’re on the spot throughout the song you may even want to invite them to close their eyes and go inwards allowing the music to inspire their movements.

In this song you really want to observe your participants. What do they need to be more expressive and more creative with in their movement? If they’re restricted, offer a Groove truth “you can’t get it wrong” or perhaps cue different possibilities they have not yet thought of (balance, tempo, using the floor or imagining there are piano keys are all around them). Maybe some participants will inspire you to cue with great ideas based off what you see.

This is a great song with finger lights if it’s available to you. It’s a holiday song but can be used anytime.

Transitions: There are no transitions just a steady build up to get the most creative and expressive experience.