The sixth grade students have been working on a variety of exercises and pieces this term. One exercise is designed to increase spatial, orientation and concentration; the students move rhythmically on a cross form, which alternates between straight and curved lines. Rudolf Steiner said that "moving without pause from straight into curved forms helps to develop new etheric forces." The students first learn the form while facing forward but then perform it facing all four directions in space while keeping the form as it was when they were facing forward. This requires great concentration and inward visualization. This exercise is performed to "Minuet" by Henry Purcell.
The class is also working on a copper rod exercise to "Six Eccossaise" by L.V. Beethoven. This includes many rod exercises, including the seven part exercise performed in a variety of ways, the 12 part exercise, the waterfall exercise, and the Mercury eight exercise. The copper rod exercises are designed to aid and correct posture, spatial orientation, dexterity and coordination. These exercises can be especially useful in the middle school years.
The rod exercises we are currently practicing will eventually evolve into a complex rod exercise to an excerpt from "Serenata" from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by W.A. Mozart. This piece includes a variety of choreographed forms that spiral, weave or contract and expand the circle. The composition is an Allegro and should be played and performed with quick, light agile movements. Once the class has learned most of the forms and exercises in this piece, we will work on bringing greater precision, refinement and speed to our work.
After we return from the winter holiday, the class will begin work in Tone Eurythmy to "Moments Musical no.3" by Franz Schubert. The choreography for this form is performed along an inner hexagram and an outer hexagon. Practicing the movement of geometric forms in sixth grade Eurythmy is a perfect complement to the geometry work the students do in their main lesson. This composition is written in the key of F minor, so the students will practice the tone gestures for this scale and then perform the specific gestures that correspond to the melody of the piece.
In September, the class began to learn and memorize the entire Eurythmy alphabet with the goal of having each student perform it independently. By the end of November, the students had accomplished this. In fact, several were able to perform it backwards.
Next, the students will work in groups to create their own gestures for a poem. This will begin once the class has completed their work on "Moments Musicale."
If you have any questions, please send them to me through the contact page. I wish all the children and families of the 6th grade a happy and healthy school year!