Drama Vocal Warm Up Game: 1, 2, 1
1, 2, 1 is a great vocal warm up game that is also good for focus and also teaches vocal rhythm. It is suitable for middle elementary (primary) school and high school. I like to use this game when talking about articulation and using voice and discuss the importance of vocal warm ups with students.
How to play 1, 2,1
Players:
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This is a whole class circle drama game and can be played with small or large groups.
How to play this drama game:
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In a circle, first teach the basic chant / number rhythm. Students must all chant at the same time.
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The pitch gets higher with higher numbers and lowers slightly for the lower numbers. The first number should start mid-tone. It is done like a vocal (singing) scale activity but does not require singing training (or a good voice!).
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Practice the sequence until all students are comfortable.
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It should get to a nice pace.
The chant:
1
1, 2, 1
1, 2, 3, 2, 1
1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Extension
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Once you have completed the above rhythm, do it again but after getting to the final 1, switch to 8 and start counting downwards. There will be a difference in pitch from 1 - 8 and this is where it is most noticeable.
Eg. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... 8
8
8, 7, 8
8, 7, 6, 7, 8
8, 7, 6, 5, 6, 7, 8
8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Further extension
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Take out 1 or 2 numbers and replace with claps. Repeat the rhythm with the claps.
Eg. replace 3 and 6 with claps
1
1, 2, 1
1, 2, clap, 2, 1
1, 2, clap, 4, clap, 2, 1
1, 2, clap, 4, 5, 4, clap, 2, 1
1, 2, clap, 4, 5, clap, 5, 4, clap, 2, 1
1, 2, clap, 4, 5, clap, 7, clap, 5, 4, clap, 2, 1
1, 2, clap, 4, 5, clap, 7, 8, 7, clap, 5, 4, clap, 2, 1
You can also go backwards with the same clap sequence.
This drama game is included in the FREE Drama Games PDF which you can download HERE!
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