Sound and Silence - Games

Sound and silence cannot exist without each other.  Try clapping for example.   It is impossible for one person to create a continuous stream of sound by clapping, or snapping, or stomping . . . Just try.  Play with the speed of the claps.  The slower the clapping, the longer the silences in between. The faster the clapping, the shorter the silences.    No matter how fast you clap, each burst of sound is followed by silence.  Each one is created, and defined, by the other.

There are many ways for musicians of all ages to play with sound and silence:

• Make some noise!  If you are playing with children, establish a signal for silence before you begin.  Everybody make some sound (clapping, stomping, bang on a pot) and when the signal is given, everyone stops.  After a brief silence, start up the band again.  Continue alternating sound and silence.  Let everyone have a chance to be the leader and give the signal for silence.
• Radio silence - Turn on the radio, or iPod, or CD player . . . and let your little musician press the pause button to create a moment of silence.  Then have them turn it on again.  If using a radio, you can add changing the channel to the game.  Even static can be musical when used in combination with silence.  
• Musical chairs - The children's party game is a great way to play with sound and silence. 
• Freeze dance - Turn on the music and dance!  The DJ turns off the music, and all the dancers freeze.  Repeat!
• Sound of silence - Find a quiet place and listen, really listen.  True silence is very rare, so even in the silence, there is probably plenty to hear.  There are all kinds of sounds in our modern world that we regularly tune out - fans, refrigerators, distant traffic.  Some kids, and more than a few adults, are really uncomfortable with silence.  They immediately start talking or doing something else to fill the silence.  Encourage them to just listen and try to become comfortable with the silence.  Start with a very short period of listening at first and go for longer and longer periods on later days.