Orchestra games are used in classrooms to help musicians learn musical concepts, maintain a positive environment, and motivate participants to complete non-musical tasks quickly so that more time can be devoted to rehearsal. They’re commonly used with kids aged three to eighteen. Orchestral instruments can be used in games, or reading notation and music theory can be the focus.
Games can be competitive or not. Orchestra games are sometimes just a fun way for students to learn. In others, the group is divided into teams, or students compete against the instructor.
When it comes to orchestra games, the age range is a consideration. Non-competitive or student-teacher games are best for young children. For example, the instructor might play a game with the students to help them learn how to hold a bow. The students correctly hold their bows and place them against the string. They then creep the bow up and down, following the teacher, to a popular children’s song like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “The Grand Old Duke of York.” Both songs feature characters who are ascending and descending.
Student-versus-instructor orchestra games are frequently used to improve routines in students of all ages. For example, at the start of each class, the instructor creates a routine for students to complete. It may entail obtaining music, arranging chairs and stands, and removing instruments. The instructor times the students, and they are rewarded if they complete the routine quickly for a set period of time, such as a week or a month. Anything that the students and teacher agree is appropriate and motivating can be used as a reward.
Orchestra games are sometimes used to practice music. The instructor may have students compete individually or in groups to see who can play the passage the most times without making a mistake. For younger students, the instructor may have individuals or groups compete to see who can make the most varied sounds on their instruments, allowing them to experiment with their instrument and its sound quality.
Two staves on a white board are used in one type of notation game. Students are divided into two groups, each of which lines up in front of the board in a single file. When the instructor calls out a fingering or a music note, the student in front of the board places a round magnet in the appropriate spot.
Instrument games can be combined with music theory and notation orchestra games to help students improve their sight reading skills and technique. To improve sight reading, the instructor can have all students sit down, holding their instruments, and call out notes or show flash cards. The instructor could show passages of music for sight reading to a more advanced group. Chord identification is a variation of this game in which the instructor shows the teams a chord and they must identify it. Almost any concept can be turned into a game as long as the notation and theory are appropriate for the students’ skill level.